Guterres urges US to reverse ‘aid pause’ on development, humanitarian funds

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN head Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the US Government to consider “additional exemptions” to a directive which pauses nearly all foreign aid for 90 days.

US President Donald Trump’s executive order a week ago called for all foreign aid to be re-evaluated to ensure that it complies which his new foreign policy priorities, he noted.

According to the news media reports the immediate scope of the order was not clear but the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an order putting any new funding on hold, pending review.

The State Department directive reportedly clarified that funding for existing programmes is also suspended until it has been reviewed.

The only exceptions were reportedly for military assistance to Israel and Egypt and emergency food aid.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York that “The Secretary-General notes with concern the announcement of a pause in US foreign assistance,” in the statement issued on behalf of UNSG António Guterres.

The statement said “The Secretary-General calls for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities for the most vulnerable communities around the world, whose lives and livelihoods depend on this support.”

It added the Mr. Guterres was looking forward to engaging with the Trump administration on how “much needed development support” can be provided to citizens in the developing world who face the severest challenges.

“The United States is one of the largest aid providers and it is vital that we work constructively to jointly shape a strategic path forward,” the statement continued.

According to the world body and the UN agencies and the partner, US Government is the largest single donor of aid in the world, disbursing $72 billion in assistance during 2023.

It also provided over 40 per cent of all humanitarian aid accounted for by the UN during 2024.