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New Secretary of State Marco Rubio has initiated a pause on all U.S. foreign aid in response to an executive order from former President Donald Trump.

The executive order, issued on President Trump’s first day in office, mandates a 90-day freeze on foreign aid to allow for a comprehensive review of its effectiveness and alignment with U.S. foreign policy.

Evaluating Foreign Aid Programs

The review aims to assess “programs for programmatic efficiency and consistency with United States foreign policy,” according to U.S. officials. Trump has frequently criticized foreign aid as inefficient and counterproductive, arguing that wealthier nations fail to contribute proportionally.

“America is like a one-way street, so we want other people to help us,” Trump told reporters. “We are spending billions and billions and billions of dollars, and other wealthy countries are spending zero. Why should we be the only ones?”

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Bipartisan Pushback Against the Pause

The freeze has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, particularly Democrats. Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) issued a letter to Secretary Rubio, warning that the funding halt “puts lives at risk” and undermines U.S. credibility on the global stage.

“Foreign assistance is not a handout; it is a strategic investment in our future,” they wrote. “It directly serves our national interests and demonstrates our credibility to allies, partners, and vulnerable people who rely on American assistance for survival.”

The lawmakers highlighted the vital role of PEPFAR, warning that Rubio’s actions “will cost lives.”

Foreign Aid as a Political Bargaining Chip

Among the programs impacted by the freeze is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a global HIV-prevention initiative launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush. PEPFAR has saved over 25 million lives by providing anti-retroviral treatment to 20.6 million people across 55 countries.

Sources told CBS News that the funding freeze could cut off access to life-saving medications for millions as early as Monday. Concerns have been raised over whether stockpiles of medications can sustain recipients during the 90-day pause.

PEPFAR has already faced political scrutiny, particularly from conservative groups. In 2023, over $1 billion in funding was delayed during budget negotiations, as conservatives alleged the program indirectly supports organizations that promote or provide abortions.

 Despite U.S. laws prohibiting such use of funds, PEPFAR became a GOP target, with Republican lawmakers facing pressure to restrict its reauthorization.