Ukraine To Get No Money From US As Trump Administration Stops All Foreign Aids; Israel, Egypt Exempted

The Donald Trump administration on Friday reportedly froze all the foreign aid provided to several countries, including Ukraine. However, the US will continue to provide aid to Israel and Egypt. This is seen as one of the first steps towards Trump's proposed America First policy.

Donald Trump, in his election campaign speeches, already gave hints of such steps by stating that America was being "robbed off" by these countries. Apart from freezing the aids to several countries, the US has decided to continue the emergency food and military funding for Israel and Egypt, two strong allies of the world's biggest donor, reported AFP.

ALSO READ: Trump Administration Targets DEI Programs In Federal Agencies, Directs US Agencies To Terminate Diversity Staff

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said (in an internal memo) that the administration is currently reviewing all the financial aids provided to the countries. "No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved," Rubio was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times, citing the report.

The report also suggested that the financial aid related to PEPFAR will also be paused. PEPFAR is the anti-HIV/AIDS initiative that buys drugs used in the treatment of the disease. The relief fund is largely sent to the developing countries, especially in Africa. PEPFAR was launched by then US president George Bush in 2003 after several health civil societies suggested he take the initiative to control the cases of HIV. It is said to have saved about 26 million lives till now, mostly in the third world countries.

ALSO READ: Trump’s Crackdown On Immigrants: US Military Starts Deporting Flights, More Troops To Be Sent To South Border

However, the reports suggest that the Trump administration will continue providing the military assistance to Israel. The arms deal between both of the countries expanded since the Gaza war. Egypt has also got the exemption as it is considered an ally partner of the US in the Middle East. Egypt had signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979.