No more handouts just like America wants!
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear on Monday that the U.S. is not turning its back on foreign aid, but is rather stepping away from wasteful and ineffective spending. During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “The David Webb Show,” Rubio explained, “We are cutting foreign aid that’s idiotic, that is dumb, and that wastes U.S. taxpayer money.” He emphasized that the Trump administration’s stance on foreign aid is focused on accountability and prioritizing American interests.
Rubio highlighted that the State Department is currently reviewing the country’s foreign aid commitments in line with President Trump’s executive order, which temporarily freezes new aid for three months. This review aims to ensure that all aid aligns with the administration’s foreign policy objectives. The focus, Rubio stated, is on eliminating aid that doesn’t serve the best interests of the American people.
However, Rubio assured that the U.S. will continue to provide assistance in situations where it is critical for humanitarian reasons. He cited scenarios where a country is facing famine or instability that could be exploited by radical forces as examples of situations where U.S. aid would still be necessary. “We’re going to continue to help in cases where it’s a matter of saving lives or preventing chaos that could harm our national security,” he said.
Rubio also expressed concerns about the expansion of the definition of “humanitarian aid” in recent years. He argued that not all programs labeled as “humanitarian” should be the responsibility of U.S. taxpayers, and that other nations or organizations should step up to address these needs.
Regarding specific programs, Rubio acknowledged the importance of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved millions of lives since its inception in 2003. While he expressed strong support for PEPFAR, Rubio noted that if the program is truly successful, it should eventually decrease in size, as fewer people should need intervention over time. He stated, “If PEPFAR is working as intended, it should be shrinking, not expanding, because fewer people are contracting HIV, and fewer children are being born with it.”
In conclusion, Rubio reinforced that U.S. foreign aid would continue, but with a more targeted and responsible approach, focusing on those areas that truly align with American values and national security interests.