In a surprising twist, the US has hit pause on almost all foreign aid worldwide. This sudden move comes just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order putting a 90-day hold on such assistance.

The State Department sent out a directive late last week, instructing all diplomatic posts to halt existing aid programs and stop new ones from starting. This freeze could affect billions of dollars in funding, leaving many humanitarian workers scrambling.

While emergency food aid and military financing for Israel and Egypt were exempt, the rest of the world’s programs face an uncertain future. Officials have 85 days to review whether these initiatives align with Trump’s foreign policy goals before deciding if they’ll continue, change, or end altogether.

The decision has raised eyebrows, especially since foreign aid makes up a tiny fraction of the US budget. Critics argue that many of these programs, like global health initiatives, enjoy broad bipartisan support and directly benefit American interests.

Humanitarian workers are particularly concerned. One official described the pause as “incredibly disruptive,” while another warned that the US—the world’s largest humanitarian donor—pulling back could have severe consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Trump’s order claims that foreign aid often clashes with American values, but experts counter that programs promoting global stability and disease prevention are critical to national security. As the review unfolds, the world will be watching to see how this decision plays out on the global stage.