The newly sworn-in Donald Trump administration in the United States reportedly issued a broad order on Friday that halted all foreign aid, including aid to Ukraine, with the exception of Israel and Egypt. According to a report by news agency AFP, the United States, the largest donor in the world, has not stopped providing Israel and Egypt with emergency food and military assistance.

"No additional money must be obligated for new awards or renewals of current contracts until each proposed new award or extension has been evaluated and approved," stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an internal document that was referenced in the report.

The order is predicted to have an impact on the entire thing from military aid to development assistance, including Ukraine, which under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden received billions of dollars in arms to resist the Russian invasion.

According to the AFP story, the edict also means that US financing for PEPFAR, the anti-HIV/AIDS programme that purchases anti-retroviral medications to treat the disease in underdeveloped nations, mostly in Africa, will be halted for at least a few months.

Critics of the freeze argue that it undermines U.S. credibility as a global leader and could destabilize key regions. "This decision sends a message that the United States is retreating from its commitments to its allies and partners," said a senior foreign policy expert.

The freeze could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for countries heavily reliant on U.S. aid. Humanitarian programs in war-torn regions, healthcare initiatives combating global pandemics, and climate change mitigation efforts are all at risk of losing critical funding.

The Trump administration's decision to halt foreign aid, with the exception of assistance to Israel, marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. As the global community reacts, the long-term implications for international stability and America’s role on the world stage remain uncertain.