The U.S. State Department has implemented a broad freeze on foreign assistance following an executive order by President Donald Trump. The pause affects all ongoing foreign aid as well as new assistance, pending a review to determine if the aid is aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities.

The decision was outlined in a cable drafted by the Department's foreign assistance office and approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The review aims to reassess the allocation of U.S. foreign aid under the current administration’s policy framework.

Notably, military financing for Israel and Egypt has been exempted from the freeze, with waivers issued for these countries. The suspension of aid impacts a range of programs, including those focused on health, education, and civil society development. No other nations were named in the cable as receiving exemptions.

Critics of the freeze have raised concerns that this move could reduce U.S. influence globally, especially in regions where American aid plays a significant role in fostering diplomatic relations and development projects.

The aid freeze marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign assistance policy, signaling a broader reevaluation of international support as the administration looks to align its foreign policy objectives with its aid strategy.