Since his election, President Donald Trump and his administration have frozen more than $60 billion in US foreign assistance, pending government review. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) may be abolished, citing “conflicting, overlapping, and duplicative” activities. A federal judge has blocked the administration from placing 2,700 USAID staffers on leave and recalling nearly all overseas personnel.
The US is the world’s largest humanitarian donor, even with foreign aid representing less than 1% of the federal budget. Key recipients include Ukraine, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and sub-Saharan African nations, with a budget divided in different scopes, such as Economic Development, Government and Civil Society, Humanitarian Assistance, Emergency Response, or Peace and Security.
Humanitarian experts warn that the funding freeze could disrupt global food aid, health programs, and security initiatives. In Ethiopia, the World Food Program, which relies heavily on US support, has halted operations due to funding uncertainties. Global health programs, including efforts to combat malaria and tuberculosis, have also been affected.
While some exemptions have been issued for emergency food aid and specific security programs, aid organizations report significant disruptions. This may impact US foreign relations and shift influence toward global competitors such as China and Russia.
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In this article, we present data from 2023, the most recent year with complete records. “Obligations” represent binding agreements that require an available budget. Additional budgets, such as Presidential requests, may be added.
Data source: ForeignAssistance.org