WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 31, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University today issued the following statement from Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas:
“We are calling for the suspension of the recent freeze on all U.S. foreign aid and an initiation of a normal review of U.S. programs. Foreign assistance keeps Americans safe. Foreign assistance strengthens America’s position against the autocratic bloc of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and protects America’s vital national security interests. It’s also good value for the American taxpayer as it underpins peace and stability and lays the foundation for U.S. trade and economic competition.
“Senator McCain was chairman of the International Republican Institute for over two decades, working to support democracy worldwide. He was also outspoken against cutting foreign aid during the last years of his life. We will carry that torch forward in his absence.
“We agree with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that U.S. assistance should make America ‘stronger, safer, and more prosperous.’ A deliberate, strategic review of U.S. development programs led by the Secretary of State, with the support of the White House, can achieve this objective in a way that advances our national interests. A review can take place without an indiscriminate cessation of all activity, which only contributes to chaos and instability globally, and confusion among domestic and international audiences about U.S. government objectives. A well-constructed and communicated review can avoid a trap China and Russia will set – painting the U.S. as an unreliable partner.
“We welcome the recent waivers to the freeze provided by the Secretary in the interest of national security, preventing waste, and saving lives. But without a full removal of the freeze, including on work supporting global democracy, unintended consequences will jeopardize President Trump’s foreign policy of peace through strength.
“The freeze has resulted in an existential threat to organizations that support freedom fighters defending democracy in places like Venezuela, China, Iran, and Belarus. Democracy organizations that receive congressional funding may not have sufficient funds to weather the freeze, because they are not permitted by law to hold reserves.
“If we stop supporting democratic dissidents around the world, we become weaker. We lose our soft power and any advantage against the communists and autocrats, and we embolden adversaries like Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The moral authority and power we gain from making people freer and safer around the world safeguard our influence, strengthen our national security, and achieve President Trump’s foreign policy objectives.
“In response to this freeze, the McCain Institute is increasing its support for human rights defenders and will double down on our human trafficking work to support vulnerable populations around the world. We will continue to reach out to the administration and Congress and to work with partner organizations to surge resources and help this critical work continue.
“Following Senator McCain’s lead, we will advocate for continued investments in U.S. soft power to ensure that everything we do with our hard power has legitimacy and garners the United States more allies and partners around the world. U.S. power is the combination of our military strength and our diplomacy. We need both to achieve a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America.”
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
