Senate backs Trump’s $9BN cuts to foreign aid, public media

The U.S. Senate has approved President Donald Trump’s proposal to slash billions in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, marking another win for the Republican leader as he tightens his grip on Congress with minimal resistance.

The U.S. Senate has approved President Donald Trump's controversial $9 billion spending cut, targeting foreign aid and eliminating all $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting over two years.

This rare rescission, backed by a 51-48 vote, marks a significant moment as Republicans largely fall in line with Trump's push to shrink government spending.

While the cuts represent a small fraction of the $6.8 trillion federal budget, critics warn of the long-term damage to global health programs and independent media.

Two of the Senate's 53 Republicans - Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine - joined Democrats in voting against the legislation.

"You don't need to gut the entire Corporation for Public Broadcasting," Murkowski said in a Senate speech.

If passed by Friday, it will become law—further cementing Trump's control over Congress.

Copied