Trump pauses USAID projects and freezes aid in Nepal
KATHMANDU – U.S. President Donald Trump has put a 90-day pause on all aid from the State Department and USAID. This pause affects at least four USAID projects in Nepal, including healthcare programs and agriculture projects.
The pause also impacts about 300 NGOs and nonprofits that receive funding directly from USAID. The goal is to review and align these projects with the administration’s priorities.
The freeze includes USAID’s Health, Agricultural, Education, and Inclusive Policy projects. However, emergency food aid and travel for government officials are exceptions.
This pause has raised concerns among aid groups about the impact on important work in Nepal. Some worry that other global powers might step in to fill the gap.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that every dollar spent, every program funded, and every policy pursued must answer three questions: Does it make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous?
The Nepal government and USAID signed a five-year plan to invest $659 million in various projects. This money will come from both the budget and other sources.