The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, provides billions in funding to organizations to combat HIV.

WASHINGTON — The State Department ordered a sweeping freeze Friday on new funding for almost all U.S. foreign assistance, making exceptions for emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt.

US foreign development funding has been frozen after Donald Trump ordered a major review on foreign spending. Just hours after the start of his presidency, Trump issued an executive order for a 90-day pause in US-funded aid programmes pending a review of their efficiency and to see if they are in line with his foreign policy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s orders could force many groups working on global aid to stop their programs. And the White House has approved sending more 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.

The U.S. froze nearly all foreign aid under Secretary of State Marco Rubio's directive, sparing only Israel and Egypt, a decision that's sparked geopolitical and legal concerns.