What’s next for USAID in Jordan after Trump’s aid freeze?

The United States has frozen its foreign aid, excluding military assistance to Egypt and “Israel” as well as emergency food aid, pending a comprehensive review to determine alignment with President Donald Trump’s policy priorities.

According to an internal memo from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to staff, obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the freeze halts all new funding or extensions of current projects until each is reviewed and approved in line with President Trump’s agenda.

The memo highlights that emergency food aid—particularly for Gaza following the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel—remains exempt from the freeze.

However, it does not mention Ukraine, which received billions in US aid under President Joe Biden, signaling that such assistance may also be suspended.

The directive stems from an executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office, freezing foreign aid allocations for 90 days.

USAID assistance halted: Impact on Jordan

Sources revealed to Roya that the US decision to freeze new aid programs includes projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Jordan and other countries worldwide. These programs cover essential services such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, and environmental initiatives.

According to the sources, USAID informed its partners that funding has been paused pending a review of all new and extended programs to align with President Donald Trump’s agenda.

The freeze has directly impacted USAID-funded project staff in Jordan, with workers abruptly ceasing operations.

Employees, who sign contracts directly with USAID and receive monthly salaries from the agency, have been informed that their positions are contingent upon project funding, which is now suspended.

90-day freeze on foreign aid

In an executive order issued Monday, Trump asserted that "the foreign aid sector and its bureaucratic infrastructure do not align with American interests and often conflict with American values," though no specifics on the aid programs were listed.

The order mandates a 90-day suspension of US foreign aid to evaluate the effectiveness and alignment of these programs with US foreign policy objectives. However, Rubio’s memo allows the State Department to make case-by-case exceptions.

Rubio also issued internal directives, including freezing the admission of refugees awaiting resettlement in the United States.

He emphasized the administration’s "America First" policy, stating that every dollar spent must make the US "safer," "stronger," and "more prosperous."

United States: The world’s leading aid provider

Official figures show that the United States is the largest provider of humanitarian and development aid globally, dedicating approximately 1 percent of the federal budget to such efforts—a point of pride for former Democratic President Joe Biden.

For the 2025 fiscal year (October to September), Biden requested nearly USD 42.8 billion to fund foreign aid programs administered by the State Department and USAID.

However, many NGOs have expressed concern over the recent aid freeze, particularly its impact on humanitarian and development assistance.

Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America said halting humanitarian aid casts uncertainty over all US humanitarian and development programs and prevents aid professionals from planning or operating effectively.

She warned that the freeze "could have devastating consequences for countless children and families” in critical situations.

Breakdown of US aid

The United States has been one of the largest international donors for decades, providing financial assistance to a wide range of countries and organizations.

US aid is delivered through various channels—whether humanitarian, developmental, or security-related—and is aligned with American foreign policy and national security goals.

The size of US aid is determined annually through federal appropriations legislation approved by Congress. Aid levels can vary based on governmental policies and global crises.

In recent years, US aid has averaged around USD 50 billion annually.

This funding supports developmental, humanitarian, military, and security objectives. It also includes contributions to international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Types of US aid

• Development aid: Development aid is a cornerstone of US assistance, focusing on improving infrastructure and economic capacity in low-income countries. It supports projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and governance reform.
• Humanitarian aid: Addresses emergency crises, including natural disasters, wars, and conflicts. Distributed mainly by USAID, this aid includes food, water, shelter, and medical care.
• Military and security aid: A significant portion of US assistance is allocated to military and security support for allied nations. This includes military training, equipment, and defense aid aimed at promoting US national security and regional stability. Partners in counterterrorism, such as Egypt and Afghanistan, are key recipients.
• Economic aid: helps emerging economies through low-interest loans, grants, and support for sustainable economic projects. Agencies like the World Bank and USAID manage this aid to foster long-term growth.
• Health aid: Public health is a top priority for U.S. foreign assistance, particularly in Africa and Asia. Aid supports the fight against epidemics such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Notable programs like PEPFAR (The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) are flagship initiatives in this domain.

How US aid is distributed

• Government Agencies: several US government agencies manage international aid distribution:
• USAID: The leading agency for developmental and humanitarian aid worldwide.
• US Department of Defense: Manages military aid and security programs aimed at counterterrorism and regional stability.
• US Department of State: Oversees aid related to diplomacy and political development.
• International organizations: The US is a significant contributor to international bodies, such as:
• United Nations: Funds programs like UNICEF and the World Food Programme.
• World Bank and IMF: Major US contributions support grants and loans for low-income nations.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): The U.S. collaborates with numerous NGOs to deliver aid in sectors like education, healthcare, human rights, and disaster relief. Prominent partners include the American Red Cross and the International Rescue Committee.

Top recipients of US aid

• “Israel”: Receives substantial US aid, particularly in the military sector, with annual assistance estimated at USD 3.8 billion.
• Egypt: One of the largest recipients of US military and economic aid, receiving between USD 1.3 billion and USD 1.5 billion annually.
• Afghanistan and Iraq: Both countries have received significant aid following US military interventions. This includes support for rebuilding infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.
• Africa: Several African nations, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, are among the top recipients of US aid. The assistance primarily focuses on combating diseases, fostering economic development, and improving nutrition.