The front of the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID) headquarters building is seen on September 15, 2014, in Washington, DC.
"The implementation of this Executive Order and the Secretary’s direction furthers that mission," the statement read. "As Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, ‘Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?’"
The announcement comes after the Trump administration ordered staffers with USAID to stop providing foreign aid worldwide or face "disciplinary action" for not complying.
Reuters reported that the Trump administration sent a sharply-worded memo to more than 10,000 staff members at USAID on Saturday, offering a "stop-work" directive from Friday that put a freeze on U.S. foreign aid around the world.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION NEEDS MORE PLANES TO CARRY OUT DEPORTATIONS: REPORT
Secretary of State Marco Rubio paused all U.S. foreign assistance funded by or through the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign aid just hours after taking office, to review if the funding was in line with his foreign policy priorities.
On Friday, the State Department issued a pause on aid worldwide.
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The U.S. is the largest donor of aid globally. During fiscal year 2023, the U.S. dispersed $72 billion in assistance. It also provided 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024.
Fox News Digital has reached out to USAID for comment.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rubio-pauses-foreign-aid-from-state-department-usaid-ensure-puts-america-first