US Reinstates Emergency Food Aid Amid Humanitarian Backlash

The Trump administration has walked back a controversial decision to freeze over $1.3 billion in foreign aid, reinstating critical emergency food assistance programs across Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, Jordan, Iraq, Ecuador, and regions in the Pacific. The partial reversal, confirmed by six sources to Reuters, comes amid mounting criticism over the disruption of global humanitarian operations.

The abrupt aid suspension, which had affected programs fighting malnutrition and supporting food security, triggered internal concern and congressional scrutiny. In an internal email, Jeremy Lewin, acting deputy administrator of USAIDand member of Elon Musk’s government efficiency team, admitted the chaos the cuts caused: “We need to do better about balancing these competing interests.”

Lewin coordinated the reinstatement of $463 million in assistance through the World Food Programme (WFP) to support countries like Syria and Somalia, alongside aid from the International Organization for Migration to the Pacific region. The decision was framed as a response to bipartisan concern over the impact of halting programs that provide life-saving assistance in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

However, U.S. assistance remains suspended for Afghanistan and Yemen, where longstanding armed conflicts raise fears that aid might indirectly benefit armed groups such as the Taliban and Houthi rebels. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the U.S. remains cautious due to concerns over diversion of resources in these volatile regions.

Despite the partial restoration, critics argue the initial cuts highlight the growing politicization of humanitarian aid. As the largest donor to both Afghanistan and Yemen, the U.S. plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity—yet millions in these war-torn nations continue to face hunger and instability without American support.