People who are experiencing urgent humanitarian crises, and who rely on aid for food, water and healthcare, could feel U.S. cuts immediately, experts warn.

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.

Many of the frozen programs are aimed at alleviating disease and malnutrition, but even security programs with U.S. funding are shutting down.

I am outraged that in a Friday night pronouncement, the Trump administration issued a “Stop-Work Order” for all U.S. foreign assistance programs. This action is catastrophic for communities around the world and undermines U.