Trump Exempts Jordan from U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts - Jordan News
Trump Exempts Jordan from U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts Reuters reported that U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to exempt Jordan from the sweeping foreign aid cuts announced last January, confirming continued support for the Kingdom with an annual funding package of no less than $1.45 billion, including military assistance and direct budget support. اضافة اعلان According to Reuters sources, the decision came after an intensive round of diplomatic negotiations between Amman and Washington, which led to the resumption of aid flows within just two months of the announced cuts. The sources noted that this move placed Jordan on a 'more solid financial footing' despite the initial shock. Jordan ranks fourth among the top recipients of U.S. aid, following Ukraine, Tel Aviv, and Ethiopia. This reflects the strength of the strategic relationship between the two countries, particularly in matters of regional security, intelligence cooperation, and the hosting of U.S. forces on Jordanian soil under a defense treaty. The water desalination project between Aqaba and Amman, overseen by CDM Smith under the supervision of USAID, had its funding frozen before payments resumed in March, according to four informed sources. The project is estimated to cost around $6 billion and is considered one of the most vital initiatives for achieving water security in the Kingdom. Despite the continued freeze of a portion of aid designated for the education and health sectors—amounting to approximately $430 million annually—researchers and insiders confirmed that Washington has prioritized protecting funding related to security, defense, and water, due to its strategic importance. In a related context, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Jordan's military aid remained untouched, praising Jordan's role as a strong regional partner.
She noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to continue military funding to all beneficiary countries following a comprehensive aid review.
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