Rubio: U.S. to keep only ‘America-first’ USAID programs amid aid freeze

According to Rubio, programs that align with U.S. national interests will be allowed to continue.

“Those that do not will not be renewed. This is not about ending foreign aid. It is about structuring it in a way that serves the national interests of the United States. And in fact, as I stand here today, we have already identified some programs that contribute to certain priorities,” Rubio said.

However, the secretary of state did not specify which programs would be exempt from shutdown orders.

“We decided to go into USAID and work from the top down, evaluating all our programs. What programs are we funding globally? Which ones make us safer, stronger, and more prosperous? Which align with U.S. foreign policy? And which should we not be involved in?” he explained.

Rubio emphasized that the review is a responsibility to American taxpayers, as it is their money that must be “spent wisely.”

It was previously reported that nearly all USAID employees worldwide will be placed on administrative leave starting Feb. 8.

Trump suspends foreign aid

President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending international aid for 90 days on Jan. 20, his first day back in the White House, “to assess its alignment with U.S. national interests and foreign policy goals.”

On Jan. 27, Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne, citing USAID’s press service, reported that the agency had suspended funding for all programs and projects without exception for 90 days.

According to The Washington Post, the Trump administration also placed dozens of senior USAID officials on administrative leave. USAID supports projects in more than 100 countries, including Ukraine, funding school reconstruction, medical services, energy infrastructure repairs, and social initiatives.

On Jan. 28, Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Iryna Vereshchuk announced that substantive consultations with the United States on restoring USAID funding would begin soon.

On Jan. 29, Ukraine’s parliament said it had started discussions with European partners on potentially replacing U.S. aid.

On Feb. 3, American billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump appointed as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, announced that efforts were underway to shut down USAID.

CNN reported that USAID’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., had been closed, with employees notified via email.

Trump also appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting head of USAID, a move aimed at tightening control over the agency and reviewing its funding.