The Hypocrisy of Foreign Aid: Why Is Israel the Exception?

When I first saw the headline that the Trump administration planned to halt foreign aid payments to all countries, I actually paused and clapped. Finally, something I could agree with Donald Trump on. But then I hesitated. I knew what was coming.

Sure enough, as I read further, there was one glaring exception: Israel. While aid to other nations was cut off, funding to Israel not only continued but was actually increased. And as a taxpayer, that made me stop and ask—why?

The Double Standard in Foreign Aid

There’s a valid argument for reassessing how the U.S. distributes foreign aid. It’s reasonable to question where taxpayer dollars are going and whether those funds are being used effectively. But if the stance is “America First” and cutting foreign aid, then why is Israel exempt? What makes Israel so special?

Let’s be blunt: if Israel were to cease to exist tomorrow, it wouldn’t significantly alter America’s security landscape. Now, contrast that with Europe—if Ukraine were to fall completely to Russia, the geopolitical consequences would be severe. Russia would gain access to Ukraine’s resources, strengthening its ability to push further into Europe. History has shown us how leaders like Napoleon and Hitler expanded their reach through territorial conquests. Yet, while Ukraine and many other nations see their aid cut, Israel continues to receive billions.

The Real Reason Behind the Exception

The hypocrisy is frustrating but not surprising. Trump’s decision wasn’t driven by strategic necessity—it was driven by special interests. One of the biggest forces behind this is the right-wing Christian conservative bloc, which played a crucial role in electing Trump in both 2016 and 2024.

And here’s where religion and politics collide. Many evangelical Christians support Israel not out of political or humanitarian concern, but for religious reasons. Their belief in biblical prophecy states that Israel must remain in Jewish hands for the Rapture to occur. This religious dogma directly influences U.S. foreign policy, with billions of taxpayer dollars flowing into Israel to fulfill an apocalyptic vision.

Of course, there are other reasons why Israel continues to receive special treatment, but this is a key example of how deeply ingrained religious ideology has shaped America’s global decisions—often at the expense of rational policymaking.

Israel: A Modern Creation, Not an Ancient State

Another myth worth addressing is the idea that Israel is an ancient, eternal nation. In reality, the modern state of Israel was established in 1947 by the United Nations. Before that, it did not exist as an independent country—it was a territory with a complex history, much like many other regions across the globe. The decision to carve out this land was based largely on historical and religious considerations, rather than purely political or strategic ones.

And yet, despite the fact that not all Americans subscribe to the Bible or believe in its prophecies, U.S. policy continues to be dictated by religious ideology. Meanwhile, American tax dollars continue to flow into Israel, even as the government preaches an “America First” agenda.

Make It Make Sense

So, to those who support Trump and his foreign aid policies—explain this to me. If we’re cutting aid, why not cut it across the board? Why does one country remain the exception?

If you have an answer, I’m listening. Let me know your thoughts.