Kumar Bahukhandi
Donald Trump – Photo: PTI
During the funding freeze, the US State Department will review which US aid and development programs can continue. The order has caused great disappointment among humanitarian aid officials, as the US decision also halts new funding for health programs around the world.
After President Donald Trump took power, the US administration is constantly issuing new orders. On Friday, the US State Department has banned almost all foreign funding and as an exception, only humanitarian food programs and aid to Israel and Egypt will continue. Along with this, whatever help the US gives in health, education, development, job training around the world, will be stopped with immediate effect.
Big blow to Ukraine
It is worth noting that President Donald Trump has already said that all the aid programs are not in the interest of America. In this regard, this order has been issued to all the US embassies. In which it has been told that the new government will not spend any money on global economic aid and the embassy can run the aid program till the funds left with it are exhausted. Ukraine, which is embroiled in a war with Russia, will suffer the biggest blow from this decision of America. Although former President Joe Biden has already approved a large amount of funding for Ukraine, the decision of the US State Department has put a stop to new funding. In such a situation, Ukraine is going to face a huge challenge.
The State Department will decide to continue funding after review
During the funding freeze, the US State Department will review which US aid and development programs can be continued. This order has disappointed officials involved in humanitarian aid, as this decision by the US has also stopped new funding of health programs around the world. The order sent to the embassies states that the decision to stop funding has been taken to ensure that the funding is effective and in line with President Trump’s foreign policy. The State Department’s review is expected to be completed within three months and after this, the State Department will prepare a report to make recommendations to the President regarding which foreign aid should be continued and which should be stopped, which will be presented to President Trump by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
