Trump significantly reduced foreign aid allocations, maintaining financial aids only to Israel and Egypt

In an internal memorandum dispatched on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the realignment of foreign aid policies under President Trump’s administration, following the new President’s commitment to an “America First” agenda, which emphasizes stringent limitations on international assistance.

In a memo covered by news outlets, it was stated that no additional funds will be committed to new grants or the prolongation of current ones until each prospective new or extended award undergoes a review and receives official approval.

This development follows former President Trump’s announcement on Monday, in which he unveiled a series of executive actions. Among these orders, he included a directive to suspend all United States foreign aid for a period of 90 days.

The extensive directive seemingly impacts all areas ranging from development assistance to military support, encompassing aid to Ukraine. This includes the billions of dollars in weaponry provided during the administration of former President Joe Biden as part of the nation’s ongoing conflict with Russia.

The United States State Department’s directive, however, includes a provision that grants a waiver for foreign military assistance to both Israel and Egypt.

In the previous year, the United States Congress approved a substantial $95 billion aid package aimed at supporting Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

The waiver made no reference to Ukraine and Taiwan. In his executive order, former President Donald Trump asserted that the U.S. foreign aid sector and its bureaucracy frequently do not align with American interests and, in several instances, oppose American values.

In a televised interview on Thursday night, former President Donald Trump implied that Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, should have refrained from engaging in conflict with Russia.

In an interview with Fox News, former U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was engaged in a struggle against a significantly larger and more powerful adversary. Trump suggested that Zelenskyy should have refrained from such actions, as a diplomatic agreement could have been reached.

President Joe Biden, who held office at the onset of the conflict, has consistently underscored his steadfast support for Ukraine, advocating for aid packages and commending the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Congress has authorized approximately $3.85 billion in funding earmarked for potential future arms shipments to Ukraine. The decision on whether to allocate these resources now rests with former President Donald Trump.

The Biden administration has allocated more than $22 billion in assistance to the Israeli military following its extensive military operation in the Gaza Strip, which commenced on October 7, 2023.

Former President Donald Trump is anticipated to increase assistance, as evidenced by his recent executive actions. Notably, he issued an executive order on Monday to lift sanctions on over 30 Israeli settler organizations and entities, a reversal of policies implemented by the Biden administration.

Israel has emerged as the largest recipient of U.S. aid historically, with military grants totaling $158 billion from the United States since 1948.