The shockwave began on January 20, 2025, when a sweeping executive order halted all U. S. foreign assistance for ninety days. This pause was supposed to realign aid with American values and interests but left many international aid workers scratching their heads.  People worldwide were left in a state of disbelief.

    The halt in foreign aid is a huge deal. This is not just a few people losing their jobs. This is tens of thousands of Americans and non-Americans employed in the international development and humanitarian relief sector. These people are passionate about their work.

    They are employed by the U. S. government, NGOs, development contractors, or as independent consultants.  They work in the U. S. or overseas, in some of the toughest places around the world, far from family and friends.

    The halt is causing panic for those in the international development and humanitarian relief sector. They are ones who know the stakes.  They are the ones who are dedicated to helping the world's poorest and most vulnerable.  They are the ones who have put their own health and well-being on the line, all to help others.

    Tens of thousands of non-Americans are also at risk of losing their jobs. They are some of the brightest and most ambitious people in their countries. They are employed by international and local NGOs. They are the ones who are working on the frontlines of crises to deliver lifesaving assistance. Without the funding, many of these local organizations may end up closing down. The lives of millions are hanging in the balance.

    The halt also affects the poorest and most vulnerable people who rely on American projects for survival. These people are already living on the edge. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS, malaria, and many more who rely on American aid for survival. The halt will make their lives even more challenging. It is impossible to know how many lives will be lost or affected by this halt in aid.

    The halt in aid will cause a domino effect. The poorest and most vulnerable will be left without salaries and assistance. Some may consider taking out a second mortgage or looking for jobs in the private sector. The halt leaves non-Americans affected by this pause with few options. They might look to whoever is willing to help them, regardless of who that actor might be. Their own governments, who had been counting on U. S. funding to administer critical, basic social service programs, will be unable to fill the gap. This will cause a loss of credibility with their own people and a loss of trust and faith in the American people, sowing hatred and mistrust for Americans around the world.

    Secretary Rubio has outlined three questions that will be used to evaluate the trillions of dollars' worth of American foreign assistance projects in the next 90 days.  "Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous? "  However, by taking away the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans and foreigners, threatening the very survival of many, eroding trust and credibility between foreign people and their governments, and eliminating foreign people and their government's ability to trust American promises, the halt in aid puts its own people in danger, weakens America's global position, and is poised to increase unemployment and further destabilize the global economy.

    The halt in aid is a perfect opportunity for other countries and organizations to step in and fill the void. Russia and China have already made strong inroads into Africa and Latin America, and terrorist organizations are always looking for an opportunity to gain power.  The halt in aid is a perfect opportunity for them to step in and gain power. What a perfect time for Russia and China, who have already made strong inroads into Africa and Latin America, or organized and well-funded terrorist organizations, to step into the vacuum.

    Tens of thousands of people worldwide are on the brink of losing their jobs and livelihoods. The halt in aid is a perfect opportunity for other countries and organizations to step in and fill the void. The halt in aid is a perfect opportunity for Russia and China to gain power in Africa and Latin America. The halt in aid is a perfect opportunity for terrorist organizations to gain power.

When a Grand Pause Causes Global Ripples

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