Trump freezes foreign aid, crippling global health initiatives
- The Trump administration implemented a 90-day freeze on international aid funding.
- Millions are affected globally, struggling with halted health programs, food supplies, and treatments.
- The freeze has sparked legal battles, highlighting the consequences of U.S. foreign policy shifts.
In February 2025, the Trump administration froze international aid for 90 days, dramatically affecting global health programs administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As the primary provider of foreign assistance worldwide, USAID managed around $44 billion in global aid. This funding freeze halted crucial services including vaccinations for diseases such as polio and Ebola, food aid for famine-stricken regions, and treatments for seriously ill patients in many countries. Individuals involved with USAID described the freeze as catastrophic, crippling humanitarian missions across at least 160 countries, and emphasizing the long-term effects these cuts could have on global health and security. Meanwhile, a federal court ordered the Trump administration to lift funding freezes amidst ongoing objections from various aid organizations, highlighting the legal battles surrounding the implementation of foreign policy. As the situation develops, communities around the world continue to feel the repercussions of U.S. foreign policy shifts that prioritize control over financial aid distribution, leaving millions without essential support.