Reports from international news agencies and official statements

UN Chief Calls for Exemptions to Trump's 90-Day U.S. Foreign Aid Pause

Jan 27, 2025, 06:30 PM

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the recent decision by the Trump administration to pause nearly all U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days. Guterres has called for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities, emphasizing the importance of such aid for vulnerable communities worldwide. The pause, enacted through an executive order by President Donald Trump, aims to review foreign aid spending to align it with U.S. foreign policy priorities. The U.S. State Department has confirmed the suspension of almost all new funding for foreign aid programs, with exceptions made for military assistance to Israel and Egypt, and emergency food aid. Guterres looks forward to engaging with the new U.S. administration to address the provision of much-needed development support to people facing significant challenges in the developing world.