Foreign aid has always been a hot-button issue in American politics. To some, it represents the best of America—our generosity, leadership, and commitment to helping those in need. To others, it’s an example of out-of-control government spending, too often wasted on corrupt regimes, ineffective programs, and nations that don’t have our best interests at heart.

President Trump’s executive order to halt the distribution of foreign aid funds until they could be reviewed and aligned with his administration’s foreign policy was, at its core, common sense. The resources of the federal government are not infinite, even though Washington politicians often act as if they are. While there are legitimate humanitarian needs around the world, American taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned dollars are being spent wisely and in a way that benefits both the recipients and our nation.

But how do we balance fiscal responsibility with moral leadership? How do we help others without neglecting our own? How do we ensure that charity remains an act of generosity rather than a forced redistribution of wealth?

There’s a better way to do this, and it starts with a few basic principles.

1. A Deal Is a Deal—Pay for Work Already Done

Let’s start with the obvious: If contractors and organizations have already completed work under a legitimate contract with the U.S. government, they should be paid. That’s not foreign aid—it’s about honoring our obligations.

Pausing future aid to ensure it aligns with American interests? That’s smart policy. But refusing to pay for work that has already been done? That’s just dishonest. If we expect companies and organizations to work with the U.S. government in good faith, we need to act in good faith as well.

Think of it this way: If a construction company builds a bridge under a government contract and a new administration decides it doesn’t like that particular infrastructure project, the government can certainly cancel future contracts—but it still has to pay for the work that was already done. The same logic applies to these foreign aid contracts.

Moving forward, though, we need to be much more careful about what kinds of contracts we sign in the first place. That’s where Trump’s executive order was absolutely correct—we need to put the brakes on reckless spending and make sure every dollar we send overseas serves a real purpose.

2. Foreign Aid Should Be Focused on Humanitarian and Strategic Interests

Not all foreign aid is bad. Some of it saves lives, feeds the hungry, provides clean water, and helps rebuild communities after natural disasters. The U.S. has long been a leader in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and that’s something to be proud of.

But let’s be honest—far too much of our foreign aid budget goes to waste. It funds unnecessary projects, props up corrupt governments, and sometimes even ends up in the hands of those who don’t share our values. Why are we funding gender studies in Pakistan when we have homeless veterans sleeping on the streets? Why are we sending billions of dollars overseas when American families are struggling to put food on the table?

If we’re going to send aid, it should be prioritized. Emergency humanitarian relief—food, water, medical supplies—should always come first. After that, aid should be strategically aligned with American interests, meaning it should go to allies who support us, not nations that undermine us.

And let’s not forget accountability. Every dollar sent overseas should be tracked and audited. If a government or organization is found misusing American aid, funding should be cut off immediately.

3. America First, But Not America Only

As a Christian, I believe in the importance of helping those in need. The Bible tells us to care for the poor and the suffering. But there’s a difference between generosity and government-mandated wealth redistribution.

America is a generous nation, and we have a moral responsibility to help where we can. But that doesn’t mean we should sacrifice the well-being of our own citizens. We need to make sure that American families, veterans, and communities are taken care of before we send billions overseas.

Think about it this way: If you’re on an airplane and the oxygen masks drop, you’re instructed to put your own mask on before helping others. Why? Because if you pass out, you can’t help anyone else. The same logic applies to our national priorities. A strong America is in the best position to help others—but we can’t help anyone if we’re drowning in debt, neglecting our own people, and allowing our own infrastructure to crumble.

4. Let Taxpayers Decide Where Their Money Goes

Here’s an idea: What if taxpayers had the option to contribute to specific foreign aid programs?

Right now, when you file your taxes, you have the option to check a box to contribute to the presidential election fund. Why not expand that concept to foreign aid?

Imagine a system where taxpayers could see a list of foreign aid programs, each with a description of what it does and how much additional tax it would cost to support it. If you believe in funding clean water projects in Africa, you could opt in. If you think disaster relief is important, you could choose to contribute to that. But if you don’t want your money going to foreign aid at all, you wouldn’t have to pay a dime.

This would ensure that foreign aid spending is transparent, voluntary, and driven by the people rather than by politicians and bureaucrats. If the American people truly believe in funding these programs, they will step up. If they don’t, then maybe we need to rethink whether these programs are really necessary.

5. The Private Sector Can Do It Better

An even better solution? Let private charities and philanthropists take the lead.

The U.S. government is not exactly known for efficiency. Bureaucracy, waste, and corruption are inevitable when you run massive government programs. Meanwhile, private organizations—churches, nonprofits, and wealthy philanthropists—can often do the same work more effectively, with less waste and more accountability.

Look at what groups like Samaritan’s Purse, the Red Cross, or even billionaires like Bill Gates are doing. They provide food, medical supplies, and disaster relief around the world—and they do it without government interference. Imagine how much more could be accomplished if the government taxed Americans less and let them give to causes they actually believe in.

If you want to donate to help starving children in another country, you should be able to do that voluntarily, rather than having your money forcibly taken and sent overseas by politicians who may or may not have your best interests in mind.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Foreign Aid

At its core, this issue is about common sense and fairness. Contractors who have already fulfilled their obligations deserve to be paid—our word as a nation should mean something. At the same time, foreign aid must be reined in, with life-saving programs prioritized and wasteful spending eliminated. America’s first responsibility is to its own citizens, yet we cannot ignore the realities of an interconnected world.

Most importantly, we need to fundamentally rethink how foreign aid is funded. Those who believe in these causes should have the freedom to support them voluntarily, rather than being forced to do so through taxation. The government’s role should be limited, strategic, and accountable—focused on true humanitarian needs rather than political pet projects.

America should be generous, but generosity should come from the heart—not from a government mandate.