Trump Suspends US Foreign Aid, Citing National Interests

Former President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of US foreign aid, emphasizing a focus on domestic priorities and national interests.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to halt all U.S. foreign development assistance for 90 days, pending a review.

Amid a flurry of other orders signed by Trump on his first day in office, the White House revealed this decision as part of an initiative to reevaluate the foreign aid strategy and ensure it aligns with national priorities.

During his reelection campaign, Trump criticized U.S. foreign aid to countries like Ukraine, pledging to alleviate the burden on American taxpayers and prioritize domestic issues.

According to an executive order released by the White House on Monday, current US foreign aid allocations are “misaligned with American interests and often contradict American values.” It further states that they “undermine global peace by promoting ideas in other countries that oppose harmonious and stable internal and international relations.”

The executive order instructs federal agencies to carry out a comprehensive review, which will be overseen by the Office of Management and Budget along with State Secretary Marco Rubio. He is authorized to waive the 90-day period for “specific programs.”

It was initially unclear how much US aid would be impacted by the decision, since funding for several programs has already been allocated by the US Congress.

The executive order reflects the position Trump adopted during his first presidency, in which he sought to significantly reduce funding for several UN agencies and decrease foreign aid.

“I will straightforwardly prioritize America,” Trump stated during his inauguration speech on Monday.

Under former US President Joe Biden, the United States was a major supporter of Kyiv, offering significant military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. This support intensified particularly after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.

In just the year 2022, Congress sanctioned more than $112 billion in aid for Ukraine.

In April 2024, the US House of Representatives approved a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

In January 2025, the United States revealed a military aid package valued at $500 million for Ukraine.

Russia has persistently criticized this support, perceiving it as a direct threat to its security. Russian officials contend that Western military aid extends the conflict and destabilizes the region.