An internal memo reveals the Trump administration's considerations for reducing State Department funding by nearly 50% in the upcoming fiscal year, prompting concerns over the future of international cooperation and humanitarian efforts.
Trump Administration Plans Major Cuts to State Department Funding
Trump Administration Plans Major Cuts to State Department Funding
The proposed downsizing includes significant cuts to international aid and key programs.
April 14, 2025, 7:18 p.m. ET – Major funding reductions are on the horizon for the State Department as the Trump administration prepares a significant cut that could reach nearly 50% of its total budget in the next fiscal year. A draft memo, acquired by various media outlets, outlines a plan that will largely impact financial support for international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO.
The primary agenda of the proposed budget cuts appears to directly challenge Secretary of State Marco Rubio's earlier commitments to protect lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The memo recommends slashing funding for global health initiatives and humanitarian programs by more than 50% and eliminates the budget for international peacekeeping programs. Alongside these drastic measures, educational and cultural exchange programs, such as the Fulbright Program, are also slated for termination.
While it's unconfirmed whether Rubio endorses the proposed cuts, sources indicate that the document, dated April 10 and prepared by department budget officials, may significantly influence the White House's budget proposal to Congress this spring. The urgency of the matter is underscored by a deadline requiring agencies to present detailed plans for streamlining their operations and finances to the White House. Although other departments have already started executing their cuts, the State Department has yet to reveal a complete plan for its own downsizing.
Amid growing concerns regarding the implications of reducing support for global initiatives, the future of these recommendations remains uncertain as they await examination and approval by Congress, which will ultimately determine the federal budget allocations.
The primary agenda of the proposed budget cuts appears to directly challenge Secretary of State Marco Rubio's earlier commitments to protect lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The memo recommends slashing funding for global health initiatives and humanitarian programs by more than 50% and eliminates the budget for international peacekeeping programs. Alongside these drastic measures, educational and cultural exchange programs, such as the Fulbright Program, are also slated for termination.
While it's unconfirmed whether Rubio endorses the proposed cuts, sources indicate that the document, dated April 10 and prepared by department budget officials, may significantly influence the White House's budget proposal to Congress this spring. The urgency of the matter is underscored by a deadline requiring agencies to present detailed plans for streamlining their operations and finances to the White House. Although other departments have already started executing their cuts, the State Department has yet to reveal a complete plan for its own downsizing.
Amid growing concerns regarding the implications of reducing support for global initiatives, the future of these recommendations remains uncertain as they await examination and approval by Congress, which will ultimately determine the federal budget allocations.
