Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The White House has firmly responded to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent remarks criticizing US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, emphasizing that the aid is directed at the Afghan people, not the Taliban.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, clarified that the billions in aid provided by the Biden administration are funneled through international organizations, ensuring the funds are used for humanitarian purposes. “This assistance is structured to support the Afghan people and not the ‘Taliban,'” Kirby told Voice of America.
Trump, speaking at a press conference in Florida, accused the Biden administration of sending billions to the Islamic Emirate, asserting that such payments should cease immediately. His remarks have sparked strong reactions, both domestically and abroad.
Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, dismissed Trump’s claims, stating that the interim government has not received any direct aid from the United States. Fitrat confirmed that US humanitarian assistance is routed through the United Nations and other organizations.
The Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Economy also weighed in, warning that halting aid would severely impact Afghanistan’s vulnerable population. Deputy Minister Abdul Latif Nazari stressed, “This aid is not handed to the Islamic Emirate but is used to improve the economic and livelihood conditions of the Afghan people.”
Political analyst Wahid Faqiri noted that Trump might seek to cut off all aid to Afghanistan upon assuming office, citing his belief that the Taliban indirectly benefit from these funds.
This debate comes amid broader scrutiny of US financial assistance to Afghanistan. Some American lawmakers have previously urged a halt to such aid, citing concerns over transparency and potential misuse.
As the transition of power approaches, Trump’s stance on foreign aid, particularly to Afghanistan, signals potential shifts in US policy that could have far-reaching humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
