On Tuesday, January 28, White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt revealed that the Trump administration has put a hold on a $50 million federal allocation intended for "condoms in Gaza." Leavitt , explained to reporters that the Office of Management and Budget, along with the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, identified this funding as an unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money.
She emphasized that the pause aims to ensure responsible management of public funds.
President Donald ,Trump has initiated a broad suspension of both foreign aid and domestic grant programs, a move the White House claims is designed to align federal spending with the administration's priorities.
While the U.S. Agency for International Development oversees a family planning and reproductive health initiative in 41 countries, Gaza and Israel are not included among the beneficiaries.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises travelers to "Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza" to carry "latex condoms" to avoid health risks.
In a notable incident from 2020, Hamas reportedly used helium-filled condoms to launch firebombs into Israel.
During the first press briefing of the new administration, Leavitt reiterated Trump's stance on not providing lifelong security details for former officials, responding to Senator Tom Cotton's request to reconsider this policy. She stated that "taxpayers should not bear the cost of such security, as those individuals can seek private protection."