Trump Freezes Foreign Aid for 90 Days, But Not For Ukraine. Here’s Why

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting foreign aid programs for 90 days to review their alignment with his administration’s ‘America First’ agenda, the White House reported on January 20.

In the executive order, Trump criticized the foreign aid industry, stating that it “does not align with American interests and, in many cases, contradicts American values.” He further argued that foreign assistance often destabilizes global peace by promoting ideas that undermine “harmonious and stable relations within and among nations.”

“No further US foreign assistance will be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States,” Trump declared.

Will aid to Ukraine stop?

Some of the largest recipients of US assistance—Israel ($3.3 billion per year), Egypt ($1.5 billion per year), Jordan ($1.7 billion per year), and Ukraine ($69.2 billion since 2014)—are unlikely to face significant reductions. Much of this funding is tied to long-term agreements, including treaty obligations, or is part of critical support packages addressing ongoing geopolitical and security challenges.

Why not?

Ukraine is receiving military aid from the US with the use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority. It directs a drawdown to provide military assistance under section 506(a) (1) of the Foreign Assistance Act and is used in the US foreign policy in crisis situations.

It allows for the speedy delivery of defense articles and services from Department of Defense stocks to foreign countries and international organizations to respond to unforeseen emergencies. Such assistance can begin arriving within days—or even hours—of approval.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recently confirmed by the Senate, emphasized a results-oriented approach during his confirmation hearing. “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must answer three questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?” he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The order grants Rubio or a designated official authority to make decisions about the future of aid programs in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget.

Earlier, Trump said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must enter negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine because he thinks Putin is destroying Russia by not making a deal.

“I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble,” Trump added.