Trump freezes $50M foreign aid for controversial condom distribution in Gaza among others

The Trump administration has ordered a sweeping freeze on foreign aid, halting funding for multiple programs, including a controversial $50 million initiative for condom distribution in Gaza. The decision, part of an executive order titled Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, aims to curb federal spending and redirect taxpayer dollars toward domestic priorities.

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, citing findings by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which flagged the Gaza program as wasteful. She called the allocation "preposterous," pointing to reports that Hamas had repurposed condoms for incendiary devices used against Israel.

The aid freeze applies to all foreign assistance, including funding for Ukraine, with exceptions for Israel and Egypt, where crucial military and humanitarian support will continue. The policy follows past concerns over foreign aid accountability and the potential misuse of U.S. taxpayer funds.

Former Biden administration officials argued that the current administration was politicizing foreign aid. Critics warn that halting assistance could harm vulnerable populations and disrupt diplomatic relations.

Leavitt insisted the freeze is a targeted review, not a blanket suspension, and that the administration remains committed to ensuring foreign aid aligns with U.S. interests.