By DAYO ADESULU
Washington, D.C. – The White House on Tuesday defended its sweeping freeze on U.S. overseas assistance, citing an alleged $50 million condom distribution program in Gaza, though no evidence was provided to substantiate the claim.
White House Justification for Aid Freeze
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the expenditure was identified within President Donald Trump’s first week in office. The discovery, according to Leavitt, was made by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
“Musk’s initiative and the budget office found that there was about to be $50 million in taxpayer dollars allocated for condoms in Gaza,” Leavitt announced in her first press briefing. “That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money.”
However, she did not provide further details, and independent verification of the claim was not immediately available.
Financial Scrutiny and Policy Shifts
The cost of condoms in the United States is generally less than a dollar each, with bulk purchases significantly lowering prices. Gaza, home to just over two million people, has been devastated by a 15-month conflict with Israel, making humanitarian aid a pressing issue.
Leavitt also pointed to a planned $37 million disbursement to the World Health Organization (WHO), which was halted following Trump’s decision to withdraw from the UN body.
Trump’s 90-Day Foreign Aid Freeze
Shortly after assuming office, Trump issued a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, initiating a broad review to ensure that funding aligns with his administration’s policies. The administration has taken a strong stance against programs that support abortion, transgender rights, and diversity initiatives.
In a memo issued Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that nearly all foreign aid disbursements were halted, with exceptions made for emergency food assistance and military support for Egypt and Israel.
International Reaction and Concerns
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed concern over the U.S. aid freeze, emphasizing the country’s historical role as the largest provider of development assistance globally.
The policy shift is expected to have significant implications for international aid programs, particularly in conflict zones such as Gaza, where humanitarian needs remain critical.
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