Trump administration redirects $52 million in military aid from Europe to Latin America, North Macedonia affected

The administration of Donald Trump has decided to redirect tens of millions of dollars from U.S. military assistance programs for countries in Europe and the Middle East, with the aim of supporting conservative-leaning governments in Central and South America.

According to a notification that the State Department sent to Congress on Tuesday, $52 million will be transferred from funds intended to finance the armed forces of Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq. The funds will be given to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, AP reported.

The decision comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru last week, where he promised additional support. The move is part of the administration’s recent efforts to cut or redirect funding, as well as to withdraw troops from Europe, following President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO allies over insufficient spending on defense and other areas.

North Macedonia and Slovakia are NATO member countries.

The reallocation of the money does not mean a complete halt to military funding for Tunisia, Iraq, North Macedonia and Slovakia. However, it is still unknown how much funding will remain for each of these countries.