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US Freezes Foreign Assistance and Limits Gender Transition Funding for Minors in New Executive Orders
Major shifts in US foreign aid and healthcare policy! President Trump has ordered a freeze on most foreign aid, with exceptions for humanitarian assistance. At the same time, he signed a controversial executive order limiting gender transition procedures for minors.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-29
US Freezes Foreign Assistance and Limits Gender Transition Funding for Minors in New Executive Orders

Washington D.C. — In a series of bold executive actions, President Donald Trump has ordered a freeze on nearly all US foreign assistance while clarifying exemptions for humanitarian aid. These moves follow his return to office last week, and are designed to align aid with US national interests.

Freeze on Foreign Aid: Humanitarian Exceptions Announced

Trump’s latest 90-day freeze on foreign aid affects a wide range of global initiatives, including ongoing projects in Pakistan, particularly those in energy, economic growth, and agriculture. Aid groups have expressed concern, fearing a disruption in critical projects like the PEPFAR program that fights HIV/AIDS.

While much of the foreign assistance is suspended, humanitarian exceptions were clarified by Senator Marco Rubio, including core life-saving items like medicine, shelter, and food. These will continue flowing during the review period.

However, there is concern that bureaucratic delays could still hinder critical health aid, especially in Pakistan, where US-funded recovery programs have been put on hold.

Trump’s Agenda on Foreign Aid: A Shift Toward National Interests

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that the freeze is intended to eliminate aid programs that are not aligned with the Trump administration's priorities, such as those related to climate change and gender equality. The focus, she said, is to ensure that US funds are directed toward areas of vital national interest, with a particular emphasis on countries such as Israel and Egypt, which are exempt from the freeze.

Trump’s Executive Order on Gender Transition for Minors

In a move to restrict gender transitions for minors, Trump signed an executive order stating that the US government will no longer fund or support gender-affirming care for people under 19. This includes restricting access to puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgical procedures.

Trump has long been vocal about his opposition to gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. The new policy will impact Medicaid, Medicare, and the Department of Defense health insurance programs, preventing coverage for gender transition procedures under these programs.

Political Fallout and Growing Controversy

The moves have already sparked heated debates across the political spectrum. Democratic lawmakers and aid organizations have voiced alarm over the freeze on foreign aid, particularly its potential impact on vulnerable populations in countries like Pakistan.

On the issue of gender transition, Republicans have already enacted laws restricting medical care for minors in two dozen states, with further legislation under discussion. However, the executive order is expected to face legal challenges.

Trump’s focus on American national interests comes as he continues to define his administration’s policies around values and identity politics, issues that have become central to America’s culture wars.

Global and Domestic Reactions

International aid organizations, including ONE, have warned that the funding freeze could damage the US's global reputation, while activists have cautioned that the gender transition order could negatively impact transgender youth in the United States. However, the Trump administration remains firm, claiming these steps reflect the priorities of the American people.

As Trump focuses on reshaping US foreign policy and domestic social issues, both humanitarian aid and transgender rights will remain central to the debates in the coming months.
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