The Trump administration is reportedly considering a sweeping reduction of nearly 50% to the State Department’s funding as part of a broad budget-cutting initiative sought by the White House.
Trump Administration Proposes Significant Cuts to State Department Funding
Trump Administration Proposes Significant Cuts to State Department Funding
Memo details drastic measures impacting international programs and humanitarian assistance.
The Trump administration is drafting a memo that could slash State Department funding by almost half, as revealed in an internal document obtained by The New York Times. This downsizing plan has emerged amid increasing pressure from the White House for federal agencies to reduce spending substantially.
According to the memo, which dates back to April 10, the proposed cuts would eliminate nearly all funding to major international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO, as well as cease financial support for peacekeeping operations. Additionally, it aims to severely limit cultural and educational exchange programs, including the well-known Fulbright Program.
One of the most alarming aspects of the proposal is the suggested reduction of over 50% in humanitarian assistance and global health program funding, contradicting Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier commitments to maintain essential lifesaving support.
There remains uncertainty regarding Rubio's support for these specific cuts, and while it has not been confirmed how Congress might respond, a U.S. official familiar with the situation suggested that a budget proposal reflective of these cuts could be submitted to Congress soon.
Governmental departments, facing a tight deadline, are currently required to present detailed reorganization strategies to the White House, indicating how they plan to scale back expenditures. However, unlike other departments that have begun publicizing their cuts, the State Department has yet to reveal its complete plans for budget reductions, with the memo indicating ongoing negotiations about funding proposals between the department and the White House budget office.
According to the memo, which dates back to April 10, the proposed cuts would eliminate nearly all funding to major international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO, as well as cease financial support for peacekeeping operations. Additionally, it aims to severely limit cultural and educational exchange programs, including the well-known Fulbright Program.
One of the most alarming aspects of the proposal is the suggested reduction of over 50% in humanitarian assistance and global health program funding, contradicting Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier commitments to maintain essential lifesaving support.
There remains uncertainty regarding Rubio's support for these specific cuts, and while it has not been confirmed how Congress might respond, a U.S. official familiar with the situation suggested that a budget proposal reflective of these cuts could be submitted to Congress soon.
Governmental departments, facing a tight deadline, are currently required to present detailed reorganization strategies to the White House, indicating how they plan to scale back expenditures. However, unlike other departments that have begun publicizing their cuts, the State Department has yet to reveal its complete plans for budget reductions, with the memo indicating ongoing negotiations about funding proposals between the department and the White House budget office.
