President Donald Trump has put U.S. foreign aid on hold for 90 days, triggering concerns among humanitarian groups and global security organizations. The move, aimed at reassessing development assistance under his "America First" policy, could severely impact vital programs such as field hospitals in Thai refugee camps, landmine clearance in war zones, and medical aid for millions suffering from diseases like HIV.
The United States, which contributed an estimated $13.9 billion to global humanitarian aid in 2024—accounting for 42% of all aid tracked by the United Nations—has now halted funding through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The freeze has already led to the closure of clinics in Thai refugee camps sheltering approximately 100,000 displaced people from Myanmar.
A senior aid worker revealed that the U.S. has granted limited exemptions for emergency food aid, such as for over a million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. However, other humanitarian initiatives, including shelter programs, remain in jeopardy, with organizations unable to procure materials for refugee housing.
The suspension also threatens the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis worldwide. A memo seen by Reuters confirmed that USAID contractors were instructed to halt operations immediately, impacting 6.5 million orphans and vulnerable children with HIV across 23 countries.
"This is catastrophic," said Atul Gawande, the former head of global health at USAID, who recently stepped down. "Donated drug supplies keeping 20 million people living with HIV alive—that stops today."
The freeze has also disrupted U.S.-funded landmine clearance efforts. In 2023, the U.S. was the world’s largest donor to landmine action programs, contributing $310 million—39% of all international funding. Countries such as Syria, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, where uncleared mines pose severe risks, will be directly affected.
In Afghanistan, where over six million people rely on minimal food aid, World Food Program (WFP) Director Hsiao-Wei Lee expressed deep concern. The WFP, which received $4.7 billion from the U.S. last year, making up 54% of its budget, may struggle to sustain its operations.
Meanwhile, independent media outlets reliant on external funding could face collapse, especially in authoritarian-ruled regions. Activists warn that restrictions could stifle press freedom. In Georgia, where a "foreign agents law" penalizes NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad, parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili welcomed Trump’s aid freeze, citing concerns about foreign influence.
The aid freeze comes amid heightened global tensions, particularly in Ukraine. Following the 2022 Russian invasion, the Biden administration had committed over $175 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including $60 billion in security aid. Trump's election had raised hopes for a diplomatic resolution but also fears that a swift peace deal could come at a cost to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
"We want him (Trump) to be on the side of justice, on the side of Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a televised interview. He emphasized that Ukraine could not recognize Russian occupation but preferred a diplomatic solution.
Ukraine’s NGO sector is also facing uncertainty. Oksana Matiiash, board chair at Teach for Ukraine, warned of a growing panic in the country’s civil society. "It's not just funding that's frozen. Behind every grant are real people working in unimaginable conditions," she wrote on LinkedIn.
The U.S. State Department defended the decision, stating that the government must realign foreign assistance to serve American taxpayers' interests. "President Trump stated clearly that the United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people," a statement read.
Some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are turning to public donations to bridge the funding gap. The Freeland Foundation, a counter-trafficking group based in Bangkok, launched a GoFundMe campaign to sustain its operations during the freeze.
Despite the disruptions, some agencies remain unaffected. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirmed that it does not receive USAID funding and will not be impacted by the freeze.
As USAID partners scramble to adapt, organizations face tough choices, including laying off staff and selling assets. One USAID insider described the situation as chaotic, with employees barred from discussing the freeze with partner organizations.
With millions of lives and key security initiatives on the line, the world awaits further clarification on the future of U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration.