White House Plans to Cut State Department Budget and Reduce International Funding

White House Plans to Cut State Department Budget and Reduce International Funding

The Trump administration is considering a significant proposal that would reduce the budget of the State Department by $27 billion, nearly halving its current allocation. This drastic measure could lead to the closure of numerous smaller embassies and consulates worldwide.

Elimination of Key International Funding

According to a diplomatic source with access to the proposal’s details, the plan seeks to eliminate funding for more than 20 international organizations, which includes the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization of American States. This move raises concerns among experts who monitor international relations and diplomacy.

Proposed Allocation of Funds

In 2023, the United States contributed approximately $13 billion to the United Nations and around $3.5 billion to NATO. The proposed budget outlines plans to allocate $2 billion for what officials are calling “America First” priorities. This funding could potentially support specific partners like India and Jordan or broader initiatives such as the South Pacific Tuna Treaty.

Official Statements on the Proposal

A spokesperson from the State Department indicated on Tuesday that, despite the discussions surrounding the budget, “there is no final plan, final budget.” This statement highlights the uncertainty surrounding the administration’s financial strategies.

The draft proposal is still in its early stages and must navigate through multiple layers of approval within the administration. Only then will it reach Congress, which is responsible for adjusting and finalizing budget figures.

Proposed Cuts and Their Implications

Under the proposed plan, reductions in foreign service travel budgets and benefits are likely outcomes, along with the elimination of the Fulbright scholarship program. The draft also calls for a 2% reduction in funding for diplomatic security, cuts to the inspector general’s office, and the closure of smaller embassies in locations such as the Maldives, Malta, Luxembourg, and the Central African Republic.

In an alarming move, the proposal includes a staggering 54% cut to global public health funding, with exemptions for vital programs addressing malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Additionally, it would entirely eliminate funding for international peacekeeping efforts.

Reactions from State Department Officials

During a recent briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed inquiries about the budget plan. She asserted that creating budget plans is a common practice among all presidential administrations. Bruce reiterated that, while budget proposals are standard, the final decision rests with Congress, which typically develops its own revisions.

Bruce emphasized once more that, “there is no final plan, final budget,” reiterating the uncertain status of the administration’s financial approach.

The Dismantling of Foreign Aid Programs

Under the Trump administration, a rapid dismantling of foreign aid has occurred, with nearly 90% of USAID projects eliminated. The agency has been merged into the State Department, and funding for institutions that promote soft power, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, has faced significant cuts.

Upcoming Budget Transfers to Congress

Looking ahead, the White House budget is expected to be submitted to Congress next month. This transfer will initiate the Republican-led House and Senate’s efforts to draft appropriations bills for the various government agencies. Meanwhile, agencies are being tasked with presenting plans for further reorganization and cuts to the White House within the same timeframe.

Concerns from Lawmakers

The proposed cuts have sparked warnings from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that reducing funding could create a vacuum that adversaries, such as China and Russia, might exploit. Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, who serves as the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, expressed her concerns about the implications of these funding reductions.

Shaheen remarked, “The cuts would leave our country alone and exposed and allow China and Russia to fill the vacuum made vacant by this administration.” She also questioned the rationale behind cutting NATO funding at a time when Europe faces growing security threats and conflict.

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

The uncertainty surrounding whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports the initial proposal lingers, raising questions among lawmakers. Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii, a prominent Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing State funding, described the reports as “deeply troubling.” He indicated a desire to hear from Secretary Rubio directly regarding his stance on the proposal.

The proposed budget cuts and their potential consequences will undoubtedly shape U.S. foreign policy in the years to come. As the administration navigates the complexities of international funding and service operations, the global community watches closely for the ultimate decisions that will emerge from Congress.