As the United States confronts a shift in its global role under President Donald J. Trump, foreign aid allocations—once a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy and security policy—now face unprecedented uncertainty. The administration has suspended key aid programs for a 90-day review, with speculation growing that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) may be shut down entirely. This dramatic pivot has raised concerns among international partners and humanitarian organizations about the future of critical global investments.
Despite this policy upheaval, recent data from fiscal years 2022 and 2023 provide a glimpse of the current foreign aid landscape. Ukraine emerged as the largest recipient, receiving $17.2 billion in 2023—a sharp increase from $11.2 billion the previous year. The funding, driven by the ongoing war with Russia, has bolstered Ukraine’s defense efforts and provided humanitarian support.
However, with the suspension of programmes that include reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, questions arise about the sustainability of U.S. support. The aid freeze has already disrupted planning for long-term projects, with critics warning of consequences for stability in Eastern Europe.
“We’re supporting democracy and protecting security in Europe,” a senior State Department official said, emphasizing that bipartisan backing for Ukraine remains one of the few points of consensus in a politically fractured environment. Yet, even that support is now at risk as the administration re-evaluates foreign assistance priorities.
The suspension affects not only Ukraine but also key allies such as Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, as well as countries facing acute crises, including Ethiopia and South Sudan. Although emergency military aid for Israel and Egypt is exempt from the freeze, other initiatives—such as HIV treatment programmess, food assistance, and de-mining efforts—could face severe cutbacks if USAID operations are halted.
This policy shift reflects a broader debate within the United States: should America continue to lead on the global stage, or should it prioritize domestic concerns above all else? For now, the fate of millions worldwide hangs in the balance.
While Ukraine’s aid programme soared, traditional allies maintained their positions on the list. Israel, a longtime beneficiary, received $3.3 billion in both fiscal years 2022 and 2023, primarily in military financing. Egypt, another cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the Middle East, saw its aid increase slightly from $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion over the same period.
For Jordan, strategic shifts in U.S. policy translated into a significant rise in aid, jumping from $1.1 billion in 2022 to $1.7 billion in 2023. Officials cited the kingdom’s role in stabilizing the region and managing refugee crises as justification for the increase.
These allocations, however, contrast with the foreign policy vision under former President Donald J. Trump, who sought to cut foreign aid and prioritize “America First” initiatives. His administration proposed steep reductions to funding for countries he viewed as offering limited strategic value. In a notable exception, aid to Israel and other Middle Eastern allies was preserved under the administration’s realpolitik approach.
“We’re not going to continue to pay the world when it’s not in America’s interest,” Mr. Trump declared in a 2018 speech. His administration also suspended certain aid programs to nations in conflict zones, including Afghanistan and parts of Africa.
Yet, some countries on the 2023 list, such as Ethiopia and South Sudan, experienced reduced aid, partly as a result of the lingering effects of those policies. Ethiopia’s funding fell from $1.7 billion in 2022 to $1.5 billion in 2023 amid a fragile ceasefire in the Tigray conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. funding to Nigeria and South Sudan stagnated, reflecting a shift toward addressing crises through multilateral partnerships.
Aid by the Numbers
The updated figures show how U.S. foreign assistance aligns with global hot spots:
| Country | Region | Aid Amount (FY 2022) | Aid Amount (FY 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Europe and Eurasia | $11.2 billion | $17.2 billion |
| Israel | Middle East and North Africa | $3.3 billion | $3.3 billion |
| Afghanistan | South and Central Asia | $1.9 billion | Data not available |
| Ethiopia | Sub-Saharan Africa | $1.7 billion | $1.5 billion |
| Egypt | Middle East and North Africa | $1.4 billion | $1.5 billion |
| Yemen | Middle East and North Africa | $1.3 billion | Data not available |
| Jordan | Middle East and North Africa | $1.1 billion | $1.7 billion |
| South Sudan | Sub-Saharan Africa | $976 million | Data not available |
| Nigeria | Sub-Saharan Africa | $974 million | Data not available |
| Syria | Middle East and North Africa | $842 million | Data not available |
What US Aid Is Spent On:
Ukraine: In FY 2023, Ukraine became the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, receiving $17.2 billion. This significant increase from $11.2 billion in FY 2022 and $419 million in FY 2021 is primarily due to the Russian invasion in February 2022, necessitating substantial military and economic assistance.
Israel: Consistently a major beneficiary, Israel received $3.3 billion in FY 2023, maintaining levels similar to previous years. The aid is predominantly allocated to military assistance, reflecting the strong strategic partnership between the U.S. and Israel.
Afghanistan: Despite the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021, Afghanistan remained a significant aid recipient, obtaining $1.9 billion in FY 2022. Updated data for FY 2023 was not available, but prior allocations focused on humanitarian assistance and development projects to address ongoing challenges.
Ethiopia: Ethiopia received $1.5 billion in FY 2023, a slight decrease from $1.7 billion in FY 2022. The aid focuses on humanitarian relief due to internal conflicts and food insecurity, aiming to alleviate suffering and promote stability.
Egypt: Receiving $1.5 billion in FY 2023, Egypt remains a key ally in the Middle East. The aid supports military financing and economic development, reinforcing the longstanding U.S.-Egypt strategic relationship.
Yemen: Amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis, Yemen was allocated $1.3 billion in FY 2022. Updated figures for FY 2023 were unavailable, but ongoing efforts provide emergency relief and support conflict resolution.
Jordan: Jordan received $1.7 billion in FY 2023, a significant increase from $1.1 billion in FY 2022. This aid underscores its role as a stable partner in a volatile region, supporting economic development and security initiatives.
South Sudan: With $976 million in aid in FY 2022, South Sudan benefited from U.S. efforts to address humanitarian needs and support peacebuilding in the young nation. Updated figures for FY 2023 were not available.
Nigeria: Nigeria received $974 million in FY 2022, focusing on health initiatives, economic development, and security assistance to combat challenges such as terrorism and disease outbreaks. Updated figures for FY 2023 are pending.
Syria: Syria was allocated $842 million in FY 2022, primarily for humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the ongoing conflict. Current data for FY 2023 remains unavailable.
In fiscal year 2024, early projections suggest aid levels could remain high in response to continuing global challenges. However, shifts in Congressional priorities may impact how funds are distributed, particularly with mounting pressure to address domestic concerns.
The debate over foreign aid exemplifies the broader tension in U.S. foreign policy: balancing national interests with global responsibilities. For now, countries like Ukraine and Jordan will continue to count on America’s vast resources to support their stability and survival.
