Which countries will Trump’s foreign aid suspension hurt most?

Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders after being sworn in as president | Photo: Reuters

A few weeks ago taking the oath for his second term as U.S. president, Donald Trump ordered a temporary suspension of most U.S. foreign aid programs. This move is part of his "America First" policy, aiming to prioritize the interests of the United States. As a result, billions of dollars in global aid were immediately put on hold. 

In a statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "The U.S. will no longer blindly give away money without getting anything in return; President Trump has made that clear." She added that reviewing and reorganizing foreign aid is not just the right thing to do but also a moral responsibility to hardworking taxpayers.

As the world's top donor, this announcement has caused concern worldwide. Aid organizations have warned that Trump’s decision could put many lives at risk. In 2023, the U.S. provided about $72 billion in aid to around 180 countries.

Over the next three months, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will review the aid programs and decide whether to continue, modify, or stop them, according to a State Department document.

On Friday, U.S. embassies worldwide received orders from Rubio to halt American aid projects in health, education, development, security, and other areas.

However, emergency food aid for people suffering from extreme hunger in war-torn Sudan is exempt from this suspension. Also, U.S. military aid to key allies Israel and Egypt remains unaffected.

According to the Associated Press, Rubio has agreed to exempt some other aid programs as well. He plans to allow temporary funding for humanitarian programs providing life-saving medicine and food.

How much aid do countries receive?

In 2023, the U.S. allocated a large portion of its foreign aid to economic assistance, totaling about $59.9 billion. Ukraine was the biggest recipient, receiving around $14.4 billion from USAID.

Jordan received the second-highest amount, about $770 million, followed by Yemen with $359.9 million and Afghanistan with $332 million.

Various U.S. government agencies, including the Pentagon and USAID, distribute this aid. The largest portion, $19 billion, went to economic support, followed by $16 billion for healthcare and $15.6 billion for humanitarian assistance.

Additionally, the U.S. provided $8.2 billion in military aid to its allies, with nearly half going to Israel and Egypt.

How much did Israel and Egypt receive?

The U.S. has committed to giving Israel $3.8 billion annually in military aid until 2028, as per an agreement signed during Barack Obama’s presidency.

Since the war in Gaza began, Israel has received an additional $17.9 billion in military aid from the U.S., according to Brown University’s "Cost of War" report.

Since Israel's founding in 1948, the U.S. has provided about $120 billion in military assistance.

Egypt is the second-largest recipient of U.S. military aid. Since the 1978 Camp David Accords, Egypt has received about $1.2 billion annually in military assistance from Washington. In addition to military aid, the U.S. has also provided economic support to Egypt.

Programs at risk

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was launched in 2003 to combat AIDS. It has received about $120 billion in funding since its inception.

Started under President George W. Bush, PEPFAR is one of the world’s largest health initiatives and has helped save approximately 25 million lives, including 5.5 million children. With Trump's aid suspension, this program will also be affected.

The AIDS research organization amfAR has warned that the suspension will immediately cut off thousands of people worldwide from HIV treatment and other essential healthcare services.

Oram Institute, a nonprofit working on AIDS and tuberculosis research in Ghana, Mozambique, and South Africa, has already begun shutting down projects funded by U.S. aid.

The institute told beneficiaries, "We acknowledge the uncertainty you are facing and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We are committed to finding solutions with other partners as soon as possible."

Reactions

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized Trump’s decision to suspend foreign aid, with many struggling to cope with the situation. Some have already started cutting costs.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi sent an email to staff ordering immediate spending restrictions. He wrote, "We must proceed very cautiously in the coming weeks to minimize the impact of funding uncertainties on refugees, displaced people, our operations, and our staff."

In 2023, the UNHCR received $2.49 billion from the U.S. to help about 121 million people in over 100 countries.

Oxfam America President Abby Maxman stated last week that suspending foreign aid could be a life-or-death decision for many families around the world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged the Trump administration on Monday to "consider granting exceptions to ensure critical humanitarian and development programs continue for the world’s most vulnerable people."

According to an AP report, at least 56 senior officials at USAID have already been placed on leave, a former official said. Additionally, at least 60 employees from the agency’s global health bureau have also been sent on leave, as reported by Politico.

Florida Republican Congressman and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, supported the aid suspension, saying it was necessary.