stop-work

The embassy in Nigeria described how stop-work orders had caused lapses in oversight that put U.S. resources at risk of being diverted to criminal or terrorist groups.

“For example,” French wrote, “if people respond to the foreign aid shutdown and the stop-work orders by talking about how children might suffer or die, then they’re exhibiting toxic empathy.”

After Rubio first issued sweeping stop-work orders to aid organizations and contractors around the world in late January, workers from the site were told to stay home for weeks.

On Feb. 18, as part of its chaotic and destabilizing efforts to defund the federal government, the Trump administration suddenly issued an unlawful stop-work order requiring that organizations that provide legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children cease their operations indefinitely.

Trump ordered the 90-day pause on foreign aid on his first day back in office, after which stop-work orders began to be issued to organisations funded by USAID.