Trump Freezes $50 Million Gaza Fund Approved By Biden Administration

Trump Halts $50 Million US Funding for Gaza Condom Program

In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has frozen a $50 million overseas aid package intended for condom distribution in Gaza, an initiative originally approved under the Biden administration. The White House defended this decision, framing it as part of a larger crackdown on government spending.

Trump Administration Justifies Aid Freeze

During her first press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the spending cut, attributing its discovery to the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

According to Leavitt, Trump’s budget office flagged the funding as an unnecessary expenditure.

“There was about to be $50 million in taxpayer dollars allocated for condoms in Gaza. That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money,” she stated.

However, no specific details or supporting evidence were provided to verify the claim.

Concerns Over Foreign Aid Cuts

The funding freeze is part of Trump’s broader 90-day halt on foreign assistance. He has ordered a full review to ensure that aid aligns with his administration’s policies, which oppose abortion, transgender rights, and diversity programs.

Additionally, the Trump administration has blocked a $37 million disbursement to the World Health Organization (WHO) and restricted nearly all other aid allocations, except for emergency food assistance and military aid to Egypt and Israel.

Global Reactions and Political Backlash

The decision has sparked international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning about the potential humanitarian consequences of reduced US foreign aid. Historically, the United States has been the largest provider of development assistance worldwide.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio further emphasized the administration’s commitment to reassessing international aid distribution, ensuring that funds are directed in alignment with Trump’s policy priorities.

Conclusion

Trump’s foreign aid freeze signals a dramatic shift from Biden-era policies, with implications for global humanitarian efforts. As the administration moves forward with its review, the future of US development assistance remains uncertain.