WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of State Marco Rubio has initiated a comprehensive review of U.S. foreign aid programs, resulting in the suspension of certain funding allocations including “condoms in Gaza”. This action aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at reassessing foreign assistance to ensure it aligns with the “America First” agenda.
As part of this review, the State Department has halted funding for specific programs, including those providing contraceptives in Gaza. This decision reflects a broader effort to evaluate whether such expenditures are consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has also issued a memorandum temporarily pausing various grants, loans, and federal assistance programs. The purpose of this pause is to assess whether these programs align with the administration’s priorities, including directives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), environmental initiatives like the Green New Deal, and funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that may not align with national interests.
In a recent briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the OMB identified approximately $50 million in planned expenditures for contraceptives in Gaza. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and ensuring that foreign aid expenditures serve the interests of the American people.
That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money. So that’s what this pause is focused on, being good stewards of tax dollars,” Leavitt told reporters. She said DOGE and OBM also found $37 million was about to be sent to the WHO before Trump’s executive order breaking ties with the global health body.
This initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to reevaluating foreign assistance programs to ensure they are effective, efficient, and aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals. The ongoing review aims to prioritize the allocation of resources that directly contribute to national security, economic prosperity, and the well-being of American citizens.
