Donald Trump, upon entering his second presidential term, immediately embarked on implementing radical changes in US foreign policy. One of his first decisions was to issue an order to temporarily suspend foreign aid to other countries for 90 days. This raised many questions, including whether this decision affects the support of Ukraine.
What does Trump’s order entail?
The main point of the document is that US foreign aid must align with American interests and values. The order includes:
- Suspension of all new commitments and payments. This applies to aid to foreign states, non-governmental organizations, and international projects.
- Evaluation of program effectiveness. Within 90 days, an analysis of the effectiveness of aid and its alignment with the US foreign policy strategy will take place.
- Role of the Secretary of State. The newly appointed Marco Rubio will have the authority to lift the suspension of specific programs at his discretion.
- Enforcement oversight. Compliance with the order will be ensured by the administrative-budget management.
This decision primarily applies to development aid programs funded through USAID.
Will this affect Ukraine?
Ukraine receives various types of support from the US, including military, economic, and development assistance. According to the text of the order:
- Military aid remains unaffected. Its funding is secured by separate laws of Congress and is not dependent on the president’s order.
- Non-military programs can be reviewed. This applies to projects implemented through USAID, particularly in democracy development, anti-corruption efforts, and support for local communities.
Experts believe that the suspension may be temporary and will not lead to the complete cancellation of programs.
Political Context of the Decision
Trump’s directive is part of his broader strategy to strengthen the U.S.’s position on the global stage. He openly criticizes foreign aid as an expense that does not bring sufficient benefits to America.
During his inaugural speech, Trump announced the “golden age of America,” emphasizing the priority of domestic affairs. He also:
- Withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization.
- Implemented a state of emergency at the southern border.
- Initiated changes in energy policy.
Implications for the World and Ukraine
Ukraine is among the countries that traditionally receive significant support from the U.S. Despite the pause in USAID programs, military aid and macro-financial support remain in place.
However, this decision serves as a signal to Kyiv and other countries about possible changes in U.S. foreign policy. Ukraine must be prepared to seek new sources of support while strengthening cooperation with the European Union and international organizations.
Conclusion
Trump’s directive on suspending foreign aid is more of a step towards reevaluating U.S. policy than a complete rejection of it. For Ukraine, this is an opportunity to reconsider its cooperation strategy with the United States and strengthen its positions on the international stage. Now, more than ever, it is important to keep a finger on the pulse of changes in world politics.
