Cutoff of funds, DASH: About 70 billion dollars are spent every year, transparency is needed

The US State Department has reacted through a statement to the media regarding the suspension for a period of 90 days of foreign funding that the US makes worldwide, following the Executive Order signed by Donald Trump.

The statement notes that at this stage, more than $1 billion in spending has been cut, which is inconsistent with an "America First" agenda.

It is further stated that over the past few years, the US has spent about $70 billion in foreign aid each year, being more than the GDP of some US states.

Full reaction:

 "Americans are a hardworking and generous people, who have sacrificed their blood and wealth to help other people around the world. But no foreign nation is entitled to these benefits, and no foreign aid program is above scrutiny."

The previously announced 90-day pause and review of U.S. foreign assistance is already delivering results for our country and our people. We are eliminating unnecessary spending. We are blocking “woke” programs. And we are uncovering activities that are against our national interests. None of this would be possible if these programs were left on autopilot.

Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue should make America safer, stronger, and wealthier. And that's exactly what we're doing now – by prioritizing America's core national interests, dollar for dollar.

How much does the United States spend each year on foreign aid?

Even without taking into account generous support for Ukraine over the past few years, the United States is spending about $70 billion on foreign aid each year. That’s more than the GDP of several U.S. states and accounts for four out of every ten dollars in global humanitarian aid. Americans deserve transparency and accountability for every dollar we spend, especially when it’s spent abroad rather than at home.

Why did the US State Department initiate a 90-day pause on foreign aid?

It is impossible to evaluate programs that are on hold because participants—inside and outside government—have little or no incentive to share details about the programs as long as the money keeps flowing. A temporary pause, with reasonable exceptions for life-threatening situations, is the only way to review and prevent unnecessary spending.

What kind of expenses have been prevented by the pause?

Without this pause, American taxpayers would have provided condoms (and other contraceptive services) in Gaza, climate justice marketing services in Gabon, clean energy programs for women in Fiji, gender development programs in Washington, family planning throughout Latin America, sex education and abortion support programs for young women around the world, and much more. These kinds of programs do not make America stronger, safer, or richer.

What types of financing are allowed to continue?

The originating order, dated January 24, 2025, contained several important exemptions, including “emergency food assistance,” and set out the process for securing other exemptions. The requests were reviewed and, where necessary, approved within hours. The Secretary then approved a broad exemption on January 28, 2025, for humanitarian assistance, which is defined as “life-saving medications, medical services, food, shelter, and survival assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative expenses to provide such assistance.”

Are there any exceptions for non-humanitarian aid?

Critical national security exemptions were granted, including to ensure the protection of U.S. personnel in the field, to facilitate the repatriation of illegal immigrants, to enforce nonproliferation obligations, and much more. As noted, the exemptions were reviewed and, where necessary, approved within hours.

What is the process for securing an exemption?

The Department provided clear guidance on January 24, 2025, encouraging offices that manage foreign assistance to submit requests for exemptions with the following information:

Name of Office/Department/Mission

Program Name

Program Description

Program Location

Expected Program Outcome

Justification for Exclusion

Financial and allocation information

This process was used successfully dozens of times in the early days, however, many requests did not provide the level of detail necessary to enable a full assessment. Further guidance, sent on January 28, 2025, encouraged implementing partners and NGOs to work with U.S. government agency partners on any additional requests.

How much has this process saved American taxpayers?

In just a few days, the Department received requests for exemptions worth billions. Most of these requests are still under merit-based review, as they are not considered emergency or life-threatening; however, even at this early stage, more than $1,000,000,000 in spending inconsistent with an America First agenda has been prevented,” the DASH statement said.