House GOP Memo Critiques Biden’s Foreign Aid Strategy Amid Trump Era Policies

EXCLUSIVE: An internal memo circulating among House Republicans is making strong recommendations for lawmakers regarding President Biden’s management of foreign aid. The document asserts that former President Trump’s approach to foreign assistance is “already paying dividends” and highlights specific expenditures by the Biden administration, such as funding for a “transgender opera in Colombia through the State Department.”

The three-page memo, which was obtained by Fox News Digital from a House GOP source, is directed at members of Republican leadership and lawmakers serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Included in the memo are two pages of suggested talking points. For instance, it claims, “America invests around $40 billion in foreign aid each year, yet much of this money fails to reach intended recipients. Instead, it supports an NGO industrial complex that has consistently swindled the American taxpayer.”

The memo urges Republicans to advocate for Trump’s freeze on foreign aid, labeling it as essential due to the difficulty in evaluating foreign aid when programs operate on autopilot. It states, “Implementing a 90-day review period, coupled with reasonable waivers for genuinely life-threatening situations, is crucial to allow the State Department adequate time to eliminate waste.”

Shortly after Trump took office, the State Department implemented a freeze on most federal foreign aid. Recently, Trump’s initiatives, combined with Elon Musk’s newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), have significantly scaled back the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently serving as the acting head of USAID.

Critics argue that this reduction in foreign aid may embolden authoritarian regimes that seek to undermine the United States’ influence globally. They warn it could jeopardize the livelihoods of many individuals around the world who rely on this assistance.

However, Republican supporters of these changes, like House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast, R-Fla., have defended the moves. They contend that these measures will enable a more thorough evaluation of foreign assistance funds to ensure alignment with Trump’s foreign policy priorities.

“America’s foreign aid is not a charitable endeavor, and its objective should not aim to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) globally,” the committee asserted in a recent post on social media.

In addition to the main talking points, the memo encouraged legislators to reference existing exceptions for “emergency food assistance” and “life-saving medical services, along with administrative supports necessary for humanitarian aid delivery.”

Highlighting Spending Concerns

The third page of the memo features examples of foreign aid allocations deemed controversial by committee Republicans. These include expenditures such as “$39,652 for seminars on gender identity and racial equality at the Edinburgh International Book Festival” and “$425,622 to assist Indonesia’s coffee industry in becoming more climate and gender-friendly through USAID.”

Additional expenses highlighted in the memo include:

• “$14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the southern border through the State Department,”
• “$446,700 to promote atheism in Nepal,”
• “$32,000 for an LGBTQ-themed comic book in Peru.”

Democrats Voice Their Concerns

Meanwhile, a group of House Democrats recently reported being denied access to USAID headquarters amid concerns regarding a reduction in senior official positions. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., condemned the actions, stating, “We will not tolerate this injustice. Congress established this agency under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and any changes must go through legislative processes.”

It’s unclear if all Republicans fully support Trump’s approach. A previous attempt, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to defund USAID failed last year, with 127 GOP lawmakers voting against it compared to 81 who supported it.

Nonetheless, Trump’s policies regarding foreign aid have found favor among several Republicans known for their national security focus. Former House Foreign Affairs Chair Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, supported the ongoing scrutiny of foreign aid distribution, stating, “President Trump and his team are correct to assess and reform U.S. foreign aid practices to ensure that every taxpayer dollar fulfills its intended purpose. I am optimistic they will proceed effectively, reinforcing the original aims of these programs while bolstering our national security.”

Examining Future Implications

The GOP memo signals an active push within the Republican Party to reshape foreign aid discussions, framing the dialogue around accountability and effective governance. As lawmakers prepare for future debates, the implications of these strategies will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of U.S. foreign assistance policies.