The Trump administration has announced a sweeping freeze on all foreign aid, including $50 million reportedly allocated for contraceptive distribution in Gaza, pending a federal review of spending priorities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, citing a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) report that highlighted the funding as an imprudent use of taxpayer dollars.

“That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing. “This pause is focused on ensuring responsible fiscal management.” She further emphasized that the move is not a blanket suspension but a strategic effort to align spending with the interests of the American public.

The aid freeze affects multiple global regions, including Ukraine, with exceptions only for Israel and Egypt. The executive order halts all grants, loans, and federal assistance programs until a comprehensive review is completed.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that condoms distributed in Gaza have been repurposed as carriers for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). According to a 2020 Jerusalem Post report, Palestinian groups or international humanitarian organizations supplied these contraceptives, which were then inflated to transport incendiary devices into Israeli territory. The article claimed these airborne explosives caused extensive damage to Israeli agricultural fields and infrastructure, amounting to millions of shekels in losses.

The Trump administration’s move to halt foreign aid has sparked a mix of criticism and support, with some arguing that humanitarian assistance should not be politicized, while others praise the effort to ensure taxpayer funds are spent judiciously. The administration has pledged to conduct a thorough assessment before reinstating any financial assistance.