U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to slash nearly $5 billion in congressionally-approved foreign aid, a decision that has sparked heated opposition from Democrats and raised the likelihood of a government shutdown later this year.
The $4.9 billion in proposed cuts target programs under the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Trump announced the cuts in a letter to the House of Representatives, stating that his administration would always prioritize “AMERICA FIRST.”
The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Democrats, who argue that reversing funding already approved by Congress could derail negotiations to avoid a federal shutdown. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described Trump’s tactic, known as a “pocket rescission,” as illegal and warned that it could create unnecessary budgetary paralysis.
Some moderate Republicans also voiced opposition, with concerns about stopping already approved government spending. However, a White House official defended the cuts, claiming the administration had a “solid legal basis” for the maneuver and that any court challenge would fail.
The Dismantling of USAID
Since taking office, Trump has effectively dismantled USAID, which is the world’s largest humanitarian aid agency. Originally founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to build relationships with developing countries during the Cold War, USAID has seen significant budget cuts under Trump’s leadership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously slashed 85% of USAID’s programs, and Trump’s latest cuts further target the agency, with $3.2 billion of the reductions aimed at USAID funding.
Trump’s administration argues that these cuts are part of a broader effort to eliminate government waste and inefficiency. Rubio, in support of the cuts, stated that it would help “root out fraud, waste, and abuse,” saving billions of dollars.
However, these cuts have raised serious concerns. Research published in The Lancet earlier this year warned that previous cuts to USAID could result in the preventable deaths of more than 14 million people worldwide, a third of them children.
In addition to USAID, the cuts also target $838 million for U.N. peacekeeping missions, further complicating the international aid landscape. United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric acknowledged the challenges these cuts would pose to the U.N.’s budget, stating that the funding shortfall would make the global peacekeeping mission more difficult.
Implications of Potential Shutdown
Trump’s push to implement these cuts late in the fiscal year could prevent Congress from having enough time to vote before the funding expires next month. This situation raises the specter of a government shutdown, which could disrupt essential services, halt food inspections, and close national parks and monuments.
A shutdown would also affect up to 900,000 federal workers, who could be furloughed, and another million essential employees, who would work without pay until the shutdown ends.
While Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, they will still need Democratic support in the Senate to pass new spending laws. Trump’s actions have intensified the already volatile debate over the federal budget and the future of U.S. foreign aid.
Image Source: Agence France-Presse
