In alignment with President Trump's executive order to reassess U.S. foreign aid, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has temporarily suspended all assistance distributed through the State Department and USAID. This comprehensive review aims to ensure that all programs effectively serve U.S. foreign policy objectives and prioritize American interests.

A statement released by the State Department emphasized the administration's commitment to responsible spending and maximizing the return on investment for American taxpayers. The review seeks to determine whether current aid programs enhance American safety, strength, and prosperity.

This decision follows a directive instructing USAID staff to cease distributing aid, with potential disciplinary action for non-compliance. An internal memo, obtained by Reuters, underscores the administration's expectation that staff actively contribute to the President's vision of prioritizing American interests in foreign policy. The memo highlights the opportunity to reshape the approach to foreign assistance for years to come.

Trump's 90-day pause on foreign aid, initiated shortly after his inauguration, aims to evaluate the alignment of existing programs with his foreign policy agenda. The State Department's global aid suspension reflects this broader initiative. As the world's largest aid donor, the U.S. disbursed $72 billion in assistance during fiscal year 2023 and contributed 42% of all UN-tracked humanitarian aid in 2024. This review signifies a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid strategy.