The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio's direction, has temporarily frozen foreign aid, including millions of dollars allocated for contraceptives in Gaza. This action is part of a broader review of federal spending initiated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The review aims to ensure that all funding aligns with President Trump's executive orders, including those addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Green New Deal, and funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the OMB discovered an impending $50 million expenditure for contraceptives in Gaza, deeming it a wasteful use of taxpayer money. A similar pause prevented $37 million from being sent to the World Health Organization (WHO) following President Trump's decision to sever ties with the organization.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the funding freeze, stating it prevented $102 million in non-emergency spending, including funds for contraception in Gaza. The department's criteria for aid is whether it enhances America's safety, strength, and prosperity. While urgent humanitarian needs are being met through waivers, non-emergency aid programs are under review.
Reports from 2020 highlighted the use of condoms in creating incendiary devices launched into Israel from Gaza, causing significant damage. While the current status of this practice is unclear, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) expressed concerns that any aid blockade to Gaza would negatively impact reproductive healthcare access.
Secretary Rubio's decision to pause aid aligns with President Trump's executive order to re-evaluate foreign aid spending. The State Department emphasized the importance of ensuring aid aligns with the America First agenda and benefits American taxpayers. Emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt are exempt from the freeze. Following the aid pause, at least 56 senior USAID officials were placed on leave pending an investigation into potential efforts to obstruct President Trump's orders.
