UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed concern after the United States, the world’s biggest foreign aid donor, froze virtually all assistance under President Donald Trump’s new administration
read more
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Reuters File
UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed concern after the United States, the world’s biggest foreign aid donor, froze virtually all assistance under President Donald Trump’s new administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent an internal memo on Friday announcing the stoppage and making exceptions only for emergency food supplies, and military funding for Israel and Egypt.
Trump took office last week after winning the election with a vow to put “America first” and to tightly restrict aid overseas.
Guterres “notes with concern the announcement of a pause in US foreign assistance,” his spokesman said in a statement.
“The Secretary-General calls for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities.”
Guterres said help was essential for “the most vulnerable communities around the world, whose lives and livelihoods depend on this support.”
But he sought to strike a positive note on US relations, adding he “looks forward to engaging with the new United States administration” on the issue.
The sweeping US order appeared to affect everything from development assistance to military aid – including