Across the globe, US-funded aid programs have provided essential services, from HIV treatment to combating forced labor and strengthening law enforcement in countries like Mexico and Colombia. In Georgia, these programs have been particularly critical, supporting the country’s ongoing development. However, these vital initiatives now face an uncertain future following a sweeping executive order signed by President Trump last week, freezing foreign aid for 90 days.
The order has sent shockwaves through aid organizations worldwide, sparking a sense of crisis. Enforced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the directive mandates that nearly all US foreign assistance programs, funded by the $70 billion annual budget approved by Congress, be suspended. Among the programs affected are life-saving efforts that provide medicine, clean water, shelter, and other vital services to the world’s most vulnerable populations. For many of these communities, these programs are the difference between life and death.
As the future of their funding hangs in the balance, aid organizations are already laying off or furloughing staff. In the US, thousands of contractors and employees who depend on work with US agencies face an uncertain future. The directive marks a departure from previous administrations’ approaches to reassessing foreign aid, and leaders of aid groups are scrambling to engage lawmakers and officials to mitigate the damage. Some programs may struggle to restart after this temporary shutdown, with many potentially disappearing permanently.
In response to growing protests from aid groups, the State Department has defended the freeze, stating that it aims to ensure foreign aid aligns with US foreign policy, particularly under Trump’s “America First” agenda. Rubio has since clarified that emergency medical and food assistance can continue temporarily, but emphasized that programs related to abortion, transgender surgeries, or diversity will not be eligible for waivers.
In Georgia, USAID’s work has been a cornerstone of the country’s development since 1992, with over $1.9 billion in assistance provided to date. Currently, the agency is investing in 39 programs across the country, with a total value of $373 million and an annual budget exceeding $70 million. These initiatives focus on promoting economic reforms, fostering private sector investment, and strengthening democratic institutions. Additionally, USAID supports efforts to empower citizens—particularly ethnic minorities—to engage in democratic processes, increase resilience to disinformation, diversify energy sources to reduce reliance on authoritarian regimes, and improve education and workforce training systems. These efforts play a critical role as Georgia continues its integration with the European Union under the 2014 Association Agreement.
The disruption of these programs, particularly in Georgia and other regions heavily reliant on US support, highlights the far-reaching consequences of the Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze. As aid groups around the world scramble to adapt, the long-term impact on global humanitarian efforts remains uncertain.
GEORGIA TODAY reached out to USAID Georgia for comment, and was told the following by their Spokesperson:
“We are expeditiously processing exception requests. Several urgent requests have been approved within hours. We cannot address every individual exception-related question but commit to transparency consistent with the President’s Executive Order.
“The Secretary of State has approved core life-saving humanitarian assistance and issued waivers for specific purposes. Implementers of existing life-saving humanitarian assistance programs should continue or resume work.”
