Executive order suspending foreign development assistance for 90 days
January 20, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Trigger
President Trump signed Executive Order 14169 on January 20, 2025, suspending all foreign development assistance programs for 90 days for review, with exceptions only for military aid to certain countries, food aid, and other humanitarian projects. Programs related to abortion, gender/DEI programs, and transgender operations were explicitly excluded.
Action Taken
Signed Executive Order 14169 on January 20, 2025, suspending all foreign development assistance programs for 90 days for review. Exceptions were made only for military aid to certain countries, food aid, and other humanitarian projects. Programs related to abortion, gender/DEI programs, and transgender operations were explicitly excluded. The suspension affected billions in foreign aid and disrupted development programs worldwide. Critics argued the suspension violated international commitments and harmed vulnerable populations.
In His Own Words
"We need to review all foreign aid programs."
"We will not fund programs that promote abortion or gender ideology."
"Foreign aid must serve American interests."
What's Wrong
Executive order suspending foreign development assistance without proper Congressional authorization or consultation. Foreign aid programs are typically authorized by Congress and require Congressional oversight. The suspension affected billions in foreign aid and disrupted development programs. Critics argued the suspension violated international commitments.
Impact
Diplomatic: Suspension affected billions in foreign aid and disrupted development programs worldwide. International: Undermined international commitments and development programs. Operational: Disrupted aid programs and harmed vulnerable populations. Economic: Billions in foreign aid suspended.
Sources & Full Details
Primary Sources
Background
Executive Order 14169 was signed on January 20, 2025, suspending all foreign development assistance programs for 90 days for review. Exceptions were made only for military aid, food aid, and humanitarian projects. Programs related to abortion, gender/DEI programs, and transgender operations were explicitly excluded. The suspension affected billions in foreign aid and disrupted development programs worldwide.
Why Level 3?
Multiple guardrails bypassed: Congressional authority, diplomatic channels, international law. Suspension of foreign aid without proper authorization affected billions in programs and disrupted development worldwide.