Former Pentagon official and U.S. military strategist Michael Rubin has strongly criticized the Trump administration for failing to block a $1 billion IMF bailout to Pakistan, citing its terror ties and pro China alignment. Writing in the American Enterprise Institute, Rubin described the move as enabling both Islamabad and Beijing, warning that “bailing out Pakistan is effectively bailing out China.”

The IMF disbursed the funds under its $7 billion loan program shortly after Pakistan based terrorists killed 26 civilians in India's Pahalgam attack, prompting sharp objections from India at the IMF board.

Rubin compared the decision to “giving liquor money to an alcoholic,” warning that the funds could fuel state sponsored terrorism. He also declared Pakistan “lost badly” in the recent four day skirmish with India, rejecting Pakistani claims of victory.

India has demanded a broader review of IMF lending to Pakistan amid growing concerns of misuse.