The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it is halting all funding for what it calls “woke programs,” including initiatives related to gender development, sex education, and pro-abortion efforts, stating that such programs do not contribute to making America “stronger, safer, or more prosperous.”
In a statement, the department emphasized its focus on prioritizing the welfare of American citizens, asserting that no foreign nation is entitled to these types of benefits. “Americans are a hardworking and generous people, who have sacrificed blood and treasure to help others around the world. But no foreign nation is entitled to those benefits, and no foreign aid program is above scrutiny,” the statement read.
The department also highlighted that the previously announced 90-day pause and review of U.S. foreign aid is already showing positive results. “We are rooting out waste, blocking woke programs, and exposing activities that go against our national interests,” the statement continued. “None of this would be possible if these programs remained on autopilot.”
As part of this review, U.S. aid to various global initiatives has been suspended, including condom distribution and other contraceptive services in Gaza, climate justice marketing in Gabon, clean energy programs for women in Fiji, gender development initiatives, family planning in Latin America, sex education, and pro-abortion programs for young girls worldwide.
On Monday, President Donald Trump announced the 90-day freeze on all foreign aid, with certain exceptions, including “emergency food assistance.” Requests for aid are being reviewed and approved rapidly when necessary. A broad waiver for humanitarian aid was approved on January 28, 2025, allowing for life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and administrative costs needed for such assistance.
The U.S. State Department also pointed out that the U.S. currently spends about $40 billion annually on foreign aid—more than the GDP of several U.S. states, and representing 40% of global humanitarian aid. The department stressed that the pause is necessary to scrutinize these expenditures and prevent waste.
“Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. That is exactly what we are doing right now—prioritizing America’s core national interests one dollar at a time,” the statement concluded.
