US freezes most foreign aid under “America First” policy

The United States froze nearly all foreign aid on Friday, sparing only military funding for Israel and Egypt and emergency food assistance, according to an internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported by AFP. 

The directive, issued days after President Donald Trump’s return to office, aligns with his "America First" agenda to restrict overseas assistance. Rubio’s memo, seen by AFP, ordered a halt to new or extended aid programs until reviewed by the administration, citing the need to ensure commitments align with Trump’s foreign policy.

The freeze raises questions about future funding for Ukraine, which relied heavily on U.S. military aid under President Joe Biden to resist Russian aggression. Military aid to Israel and Egypt remains untouched, reflecting longstanding U.S. strategic priorities.

An 85-day review will determine the fate of other aid programs as the administration scrutinizes their effectiveness and alignment with national interests.