The State Department says foreign nations are “not entitled” to US taxpayer-funded aid, as the Biden administration halts programs that do not align with America’s core interests.
Washington, D.C., January 30: The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it is blocking funding for various gender development, sex education, pro-abortion, and climate aid programs, stating that such initiatives do not contribute to making America “safer, stronger, or more prosperous.”
In an official statement, the department emphasized that while the US has a history of generosity in foreign aid, no country is entitled to these benefits, and aid programs must align with US national interests.
“Americans are a hardworking and generous people who have sacrificed to help others across the globe. But no foreign nation is entitled to those benefits, and no foreign aid program is above scrutiny,” the State Department stated.
90-Day Foreign Aid Freeze and Program Cuts
This move follows President Donald Trump’s recent 90-day freeze on all foreign aid, announced on Monday. The State Department confirmed that the pause is already reducing waste and eliminating funding for “woke programs” that do not serve America’s core interests.
Programs that have been suspended include:
🚫 Contraceptive and family planning services in Gaza
🚫 Climate justice marketing services in Gabon
🚫 Clean energy initiatives for women in Fiji
🚫 Sex education and pro-abortion programs for young girls worldwide
🚫 Gender development programs and other social policies in Latin America
Exceptions for Humanitarian Aid
While the aid freeze affects multiple initiatives, the administration has made exceptions for emergency humanitarian assistance, including:
✅ Food assistance
✅ Life-saving medicine and medical services
✅ Shelter and subsistence aid
On January 28, 2025, the Secretary of State approved a broad waiver allowing the continuation of essential humanitarian aid to prevent disruptions in critical relief efforts.
$40 Billion Annual Foreign Aid Under Scrutiny
The State Department also revealed that the US spends approximately $40 billion annually on foreign aid—more than the GDP of several US states—and accounts for 40% of global humanitarian aid spending.
“Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. And that is exactly what we are doing right now—prioritizing America’s core national interests one dollar at a time,” the statement read.
A Shift in US Foreign Aid Strategy
The temporary aid freeze reflects a broader policy shift under Trump’s administration, focusing on reducing foreign aid waste and prioritizing domestic interests. With further reviews pending, the US government is expected to continue reshaping its foreign aid strategy in the coming months.