US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the Trump administration has been reaching out to USAID missions around the world to identify and designate specific programs that will be exempt from the sweeping stop-work orders issued recently. The move aims to ensure that critical humanitarian and development projects can continue despite broader restrictions.
Rubio emphasized that the administration is focused on maintaining vital aid operations while adhering to the stop-work directive. The decision has prompted concerns from some international partners and humanitarian groups, who worry about the impact on ongoing projects in vulnerable regions. However, the administration insists that the exemptions will ensure that essential programs remain in place to support global stability and development.
As the process unfolds, further details on which programs will be exempt and how the exemptions will be implemented are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
