Trump’s Bold Move: Why Israel and Egypt Are the Only Countries Still Receiving U.S. Aid

Trump Freezes Foreign Aid, Exempting Only Israel and Egypt, Amid Policy Review

The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is designed to ensure that U.S. foreign aid is not duplicated, remains effective, and aligns with President Trump’s broader foreign policy goals.

While the freeze affects various global aid programs, it notably excludes aid to Israel and Egypt, which continue to receive military financing. This exemption is particularly significant due to the geopolitical roles both countries play in controlling Gaza access. However, U.S. aid to Ukraine, which has received substantial support following the outbreak of the war in October 2023, is also frozen, leaving many wondering about future military and humanitarian assistance to the embattled country.

This freeze is not limited to military aid but also includes essential international programs such as health, education, development, and job training initiatives. For example, global programs like the President’s Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been credited with saving millions of lives, are also put on hold. Humanitarian groups have expressed concerns about the potential consequences, as the freeze could severely affect efforts to combat poverty, hunger, and disease worldwide.

Despite the freeze, emergency food programs, such as those providing aid to famine-stricken areas in Sudan, remain unaffected. Yet, organizations like Oxfam America have warned that the suspension of aid could have dire consequences for vulnerable populations, with some even labeling the move as abandoning the United States' longstanding commitment to support people based on need, irrespective of political considerations.

The decision is part of a broader agenda by President Trump and Republican lawmakers to scrutinize U.S. foreign aid, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee pledging to examine every dollar and diplomat involved. As the review continues, it remains to be seen how this freeze will impact global diplomacy, as well as ongoing U.S. involvement in Ukraine and other critical regions.

The freeze is expected to last for three months, with a report to follow outlining the effectiveness and alignment of U.S. foreign aid with Trump’s policy objectives. The outcome could significantly reshape the U.S. approach to foreign assistance moving forward.