The Trump administration's 90-day suspension of most overseas aid has put over 500,000 tons of food supplies in jeopardy. According to reports from Hearst Newspapers, citing communications from an international food agency, a significant portion of this food is currently stored at U.S. ports like Boston, New York, and Miami. The Houston port alone holds approximately 31,000 tons of food, which is at risk of spoilage. This decision follows President Trump's executive order shortly after his second inauguration, which temporarily halted the distribution of U.S. foreign development assistance for review. The potential waste of these resources could spark controversy, especially as many Americans face rising food costs.

In early 2025, following criticism of USAID during his campaign, President Trump signed an executive order that introduced a 90-day pause on the majority of U.S. foreign development assistance. This order affected programs such as Food for Peace, initiated by President Eisenhower in 1954, which sends surplus agricultural products to developing nations. As a result, thousands of tons of aid are now stranded at major U.S. ports, with some at risk of spoiling. The halt in distribution raises concerns about the effectiveness and utility of these programs in line with U.S. foreign policy goals.

The situation has led to protests outside the headquarters of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington D.C. Reports indicate that over $450 million worth of food aid is now at risk. The Washington Post cited unnamed officials stating that more than $340 million worth of food, including wheat, rice, and soybeans, is currently stuck due to the new executive order. Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced plans to significantly reduce the number of USAID employees, placing thousands on paid leave starting from Friday night.

Billionaire Elon Musk, head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), described USAID as "beyond repair" and claimed that President Trump had agreed to shut it down entirely. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the decision, saying that the president aims to align taxpayer-funded programs with national interests, protecting American farmers. Critics argue that this move will negatively impact the world's poorest populations and provide opportunities for U.S. rivals like China and Russia.

The uncertainty surrounding the future of food aid programs has caused significant concern among various stakeholders. Agricultural organizations highlight the critical role of USAID in reducing global hunger while providing markets for surplus U.S. agricultural products. Lawmakers have expressed strong opposition to the changes, emphasizing the illegal and unacceptable nature of the actions taken against USAID. As the 90-day freeze continues, the fate of the stranded food supplies remains unclear, leaving many questioning the long-term implications of this policy shift.