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In a surprising move on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed the State Department to suspend nearly all foreign aid grants for 90 days. The directive requires immediate “stop-work orders” on existing foreign assistance awards, sparking concern among officials at the department.
The guidance halts previously approved aid funding, prompting concerns about its potential effects on military assistance to Ukraine. This directive builds on President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which called for a comprehensive review of U.S. foreign aid spending, but it extends further by suspending funds that were already allocated.
The directive does allow some exceptions. Foreign military financing for Egypt and Israel—two of the largest U.S. aid recipients—will continue, as will emergency food assistance and expenses incurred before the guidance took effect. However, the guidance leaves room for interpretation, stating that decisions must align with the “terms of the relevant award.”
This ambiguity has led to uncertainty over aid for other U.S. allies, including Ukraine, Jordan, and Taiwan, as well as Latin American and Caribbean countries such as Haiti. Under the previous Biden administration, Ukraine received billions of dollars in military assistance to defend against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The new guidance makes no specific mention of Ukraine, a point of concern for officials advocating continued support for Kyiv.
The sudden freeze has alarmed many within the State Department. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the move as “nuclear,” given its sweeping implications. Others warned that the order could expose the U.S. government to lawsuits from contractors over unfulfilled agreements, despite language in the directive requiring compliance with existing award terms.
Critics argue the freeze could undermine U.S. commitments to allies and hinder global stability. The omission of Ukraine aid is particularly troubling for officials who see it as critical to countering Russian aggression.
The decision aligns with long-standing Republican criticism of what they view as wasteful foreign aid spending. President Trump, who has increased pressure on Russia in recent days, ordered the review to ensure foreign aid aligns with U.S. interests. Rubio’s guidance reflects that directive, stating that all programs must demonstrate effectiveness and consistency with Trump’s foreign policy.
