Trump Administration slashes foreign aid, cutting $60 billion in assistance
Reuters
The Trump administration has announced a $60 billion reduction in global assistance, cutting over 90% of USAID contracts and reshaping U.S. foreign aid policy. The move has sparked legal challenges and raised concerns about the future of U.S. international support.
The Trump administration has announced it is eliminating over 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) foreign aid contracts, cutting $60 billion in global assistance.
The cuts, outlined in internal memos and federal court filings, signal a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, reducing support for international development and humanitarian efforts.
The administration justifies the cuts by citing the need to eliminate “significant waste” and inefficiencies within foreign assistance programs. This move is part of a broader effort to overhaul how the U.S. delivers foreign aid through USAID and the State Department.
President Trump and ally Elon Musk have led efforts to reduce government spending, targeting USAID projects as part of their strategy. On January 20, Trump ordered a 90-day review of foreign assistance programs, which led to an immediate freeze in funding and the shutdown of thousands of U.S.-funded projects worldwide.
The cuts have sparked legal challenges from nonprofits and contractors who rely on USAID funding. As terminations continue, the future of U.S. foreign assistance remains uncertain, with advocates questioning the impact on global stability and U.S. diplomatic influence.
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