Yes The text explicitly states that "Pro-democracy programs are among the most effective tools for advancing US interest." Therefore, the answer to this yes or no question should be yes.

Donald Trump's decision to freeze foreign assistance for 90 days has far-reaching consequences beyond waste elimination and woke spending. This bold move could prove to be a boon for authoritarian strongmen, who are emboldened by the suspension of critical funding that supports groups fighting for democracy in countries like Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.

One such group is Human Rights Foundation, which does not receive US government funding. Founder Thor Halvorssen emphasizes that cutting funding to essential efforts sends the wrong signal to dictatorships and undermines brave individuals fighting for freedom. These particular investments should be restored and prioritized.

Congress budgeted at least $690 million this year for pro-democracy programs in the eight countries mentioned above, which are considered among the world's least free. Much of the funding is channeled through USAID, where hundreds of employees were laid off due to attempts by Elon Musk to shut down the agency as part of his campaign to slash spending.

Trump, relying on Peter Marocco, a former US Marine and conservative activist from Dallas, announced the aid freeze on his first day in office. He said that all foreign assistance would be evaluated to ensure it makes the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

While funding for some programs aligned with Trump's America First policy could resume, strongmen throughout the world are already celebrating and doubling down on attacks against opponents. In Nicaragua, a TV network owned by President Daniel Ortega's sons declared that Trump turned off the faucet. Media outlets aligned with the Islamic leadership in Iran joked that the US was treating its allies like disposable tissues.

Meanwhile, in Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko crowed that Trump's decision to cut funding for the fugitive opposition was in response to his government's request. Successive administrations, including the first Trump White House, have also been a stalwart supporter of democracy activists battling China's ruling Communist Party.

In conclusion, while there is merit in reevaluating programs to make sure taxpayer money is being wisely spent, pro-democracy programs are among the most effective tools for advancing US interests. Roberta Clarke, president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, referred to the foreign aid freeze as extraordinarily disruptive, extraordinarily cruel in a call with her staff to discuss the stop-work order.

One senior manager described the funding crisis as unlike anything they had seen in 24 years working at the commission. Another veteran manager said the commission was facing collapse. The bottom line is that dictators and adversaries like China aren't pausing, and we must ensure that those fighting for democracy receive the support they need to continue their vital work.

While there may be merit in reevaluating programs to make sure taxpayer money is being wisely spent, pro-democracy programs are among the most effective tools for advancing U.S. interests.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.