Nearly 60 senior USAID employees were placed on leave.

Summary

The Trump administration has enacted a 90-day freeze on nearly all U.S. foreign aid to review programs under the “America First” agenda.

Exceptions are limited to emergency food aid, travel for officials, and some military financing.

Aid groups warn the freeze will disrupt life-saving programs, including HIV treatment, clean water, and education, affecting millions globally.

Critics fear it creates leadership vacuums for adversaries like China to exploit.

Confusion and concern dominate the aid community, with calls to reverse the decision and improve communication.