Foreign Aid: The Globalist Gravy Train We Can’t Afford

It’s time to dissect the never-ending drama—our nation’s foreign aid policy. Under Biden, Uncle Sam played Santa Claus to the world, all on your dime. That’s over, thanks to a new directive from President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio that aims to put this globalist gravy train under the microscope.
It’s about time. We can’t afford to keep helping other countries (many of whom refuse to help themselves) while we drown financially.
On Inauguration Day, amid a flurry of executive orders, President Trump signed the ‘America First Policy Directive to Secretary Rubio.’ The directive mandates a reevaluation of foreign assistance programs, emphasizing that America’s interests come first. Imagine that—a government prioritizing its own citizens. Revolutionary!
The directive calls for a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance. During this period, the Office of Management and Budget, likely under the sensible guidance of Russ Vought, will determine whether to continue, modify, or cease these programs. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt assures us that this pause is ‘about being good stewards of tax dollars.’ A novel concept in Washington, indeed.
Of course, chaos wouldn’t be complete without a Biden-appointed judge in D.C. swooping in to put a hold on the order until February 3. The White House, not to be outdone, issued and then rescinded a memo from OMB regarding the freeze. Leavitt insists that the executive orders will ‘remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.’ Clear as mud, isn’t it?
This move aligns with previous efforts by congressional Republicans to rein in foreign aid. In October, Rep. Greg Steube introduced the Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters (STAND) Act, which would suspend U.S. foreign assistance during the first 60 days of a presidentially declared disaster. Prior to that, members of the House Freedom Caucus introduced a bill seeking to abolish the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), accusing it of meddling in local elections and promoting interests ahead of other nations’ citizenry.
Predictably, these bills went nowhere in the swamp of Washington. So, President Trump’s recent executive orders are a step in the right direction, honoring his campaign promise of crafting a more America-centric foreign policy.
But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. For real change to occur, the administration must also tackle the web of federally funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have been weaponized to foment regime change around the globe. These operations, funded at taxpayer expense, are often laundered through NGOs claiming to promote democracy and free speech overseas.
It’s high time we end this charade. The American people deserve a government that prioritizes their interests over playing world police. Let’s hope this latest directive is more than just political theater and leads to meaningful reform. After all, charity begins at home.