US cuts global aid while Middle East allies secure favor

The United States Department of State has issued a directive suspending foreign assistance programs globally for at least three months.

The decision impacts tens of billions of dollars allocated to a wide range of initiatives, including military aid, policing support and humanitarian assistance. Exceptions are limited to emergency food programs and aid to Washington’s key allies such as Israel and Egypt, while leaving Taiwan, Ukraine and Jordan out.

According to an internal memo obtained by media outlets, no new obligations for foreign assistance are permitted without explicit authorization from the Secretary of State. Additionally, grant officers overseeing existing programs have been instructed to issue stop-work orders.

The memo outlines plans for a 30-day development of review standards, an 85-day assessment period, and a comprehensive alignment of all foreign assistance programs with the strategic vision of the Trump administration within 180 days.

Key aid programs affected

The suspension impacts a significant portion of the $40 billion in U.S. foreign assistance, half of which is typically allocated to military aid. Beyond weaponry, these programs cover training and support for security forces worldwide.

Notably, $2 billion annually is directed toward policing efforts, including Mexican authorities combating fentanyl trafficking into the United States, which is temporarily suspended now also.

The directive also freezes funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a health program established in 2003 under President George W. Bush that has reportedly saved 25 million lives. PEPFAR’s current funding extension expires in March 2025, but its future remains uncertain during the freeze.

Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern that the suspension could exacerbate global instability and jeopardize lives in vulnerable communities. Critics argue that this decision marks a departure from the U.S.’ bipartisan tradition of providing foreign aid based on need rather than political alignment.

Exceptions for “key” Middle East allies

While most foreign assistance programs are paused, aid to Israel and Egypt remains unaffected. These two nations are among the largest recipients of U.S. military assistance, receiving billions annually. Despite ongoing criticism of their human rights records, the U.S. has consistently prioritized aid to these countries, citing strategic interests in the Middle East.

Aid to Ukraine, which has relied heavily on U.S. military support to counter Russia’s invasion, does not appear to be exempt.

Implications of policy

The Trump administration has defended the move, citing a need to reassess and align foreign assistance programs with its strategic priorities. However, this freeze raises questions about the long-term stability of international partnerships and the U.S.’ role in addressing global crises.

The suspension is expected to have implications, particularly for global security and humanitarian efforts. It also means prioritizing selective strategic interests over traditional aid commitments.

In 2023, the U.S. allocated more than $60 billion to foreign assistance, surpassing all other countries. 

How much will Türkiye be affected

The U.S. has a long history of providing aid to its ally Türkiye, dating back to the Greek and Turkish Assistance Act of 1947, which allocated $400 million in military and economic aid to both countries during the early stages of the Cold War. 

These days, however, despite the ongoing disasters happening in Türkiye such as the recent earthquakes, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) allocated approximately $6 million last year.

The changing aspect of the relationship is not hoped to be different soon, particularly in light of Trump’s policies. Hence, the new move does not seem to be effective in Türkiye’s case.