On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14169, Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid. Read:
- EO 14169 on whitehouse.gov
- EO 14169 published in the Federal Register at: 90 FR 8619 (January 30, 2025)
- DOS Press Statement: Implementing the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid (January 26, 2025)
EO 14169 mandated a 90-day pause on new foreign development assistance obligations and disbursements of funds to "to foreign countries and implementing non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors" while federal agencies review programs for efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy. During those 90 days, agencies must determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate each program, with final decisions requiring approval from the Secretary of State. Under EO 14169 the "Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shall enforce this pause through its apportionment authority."
This pause and potential funding realignment could impact international education programs, research collaborations, and grants that rely on U.S. foreign aid.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expanded this suspension to encompass nearly all USAID operations. See DOS Press Statement: Implementing the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid (January 26, 2025). This abrupt halt has led to widespread disruptions, including the furlough of numerous USAID employees and the cessation of various international aid projects.
By February 7, 2025, the USAID website at www.usaid.gov had a single message:
On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).
For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential. The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.
Thank you for your service.
When last checked on February 12, 2025, the usaid.gov site was devoid of any content at all. By way of comparison, here is the USAID site as captured on January 20, 2025 by the Internet Archive's WayBack Machine.
Litigation
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal challenges and potential policy changes affecting the ultimate outcome of the USAID funding freeze and review process. Several lawsuits have resulted in the issuance of temporary restraining orders (TROs) blocking portions of the budget and firing actions taken pursuant to the executive order. The New York Times maintains an interactive page titled "Tracking the Lawsuits Against Trump's Agenda" which includes information on various legal challenges, including budget freezes and personnel actions.