President Donald Trump has issued an executive order freezing $50 million in funds that were previously approved by the Biden administration to provide reproductive health services, including condoms, in Gaza. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to reassess foreign aid allocation under the Trump administration’s stance on international aid and security.
The funds, earmarked for humanitarian aid in Gaza, were intended to support various health programs, including the provision of contraceptives as part of a broader family planning initiative aimed at addressing reproductive health needs in the region. The decision to freeze the funds is a direct response to concerns raised by the Trump administration about the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars in the region, particularly regarding programs perceived as inconsistent with U.S. national interests or values.
“This move is necessary to ensure that U.S. aid is being used to promote peace and stability, rather than contributing to programs that may not align with our strategic goals,” said a spokesperson for the Trump administration. “The funds for reproductive health in Gaza will be re-evaluated to ensure that they do not inadvertently support harmful or destabilizing activities.”
The Biden administration previously justified the funding as a means of providing essential health services to one of the most underserved and vulnerable populations in the Middle East. The move was part of a broader strategy to re-engage in global humanitarian efforts and support international health and rights initiatives.
Critics of Trump’s decision argue that the freeze could have negative consequences for the population in Gaza, where access to basic healthcare services, including reproductive health, remains limited due to the ongoing blockade and political instability.