A White House representative recently discussed a distinct memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which will momentarily suspend grants, loans, and federal aid programs while they undergo an evaluation, according to a Fox News report.
The official clarified, “If the activities align with the President’s priorities, they will proceed without disruption. This mirrors the decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to halt grants to the World Health Organization following President Trump’s US withdrawal, or the suspension of millions in funding for condoms in Gaza last weekend by the State Department.”
In her inaugural press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and OMB identified that $50 million of taxpayer money was about to be allocated for condoms in Gaza.
The freeze on aid applies broadly, even affecting Ukraine, with the exception of Israel and Egypt. As the world’s largest donor, the US will not suspend emergency food and military aid to these two nations.
This action is a direct result of an executive order from President Trump, titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” which was signed following his recent White House transition.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized that no new funds will be committed to new grants or the extension of existing ones until they are thoroughly reviewed and approved.
In 2020, reports indicated that condoms were being repurposed into IED-carrying balloons used in attacks on Israel, causing significant destruction and financial losses.
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