Trump proposes a billion reduction in foreign aid previously approved by Congress.
The United States administration under President Donald Trump is pursuing additional cuts to foreign aid, proposing a reduction of approximately billion that has already received congressional approval. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reallocate funding away from humanitarian projects and international organizations, raising questions about the limits of presidential authority.
Previously, President Trump had secured authorization to eliminate billion in foreign aid and public media funding through legislation enacted in July. The newest effort, however, seeks to circumvent the legislative process entirely by employing a tactic known as “pocket rescission.” This legal maneuver allows the President to delay the spending for 45 days, effectively allowing funds to expire once the fiscal year concludes on September 30.
In a communication shared publicly, President Trump informed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of his intentions to withhold the designated foreign aid, a move that is receiving scrutiny. This aid, as outlined in various reports, is primarily allocated for United Nations peacekeeping operations and initiatives aimed at promoting democracy globally. The funds would typically be managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an organization that has seen significant restructuring under Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The implications of these cuts are extensive, with the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations expressing grave concerns regarding their potential fallout. In June, the UN reported drastic reductions in program funding, leading to what the UN humanitarian office described as “the deepest funding cuts ever to hit the international humanitarian sector.” Aid chief Tom Fletcher emphasized that these reductions would force humanitarian organizations into a precarious situation of deciding who receives essential support.
The impact of these budgetary decisions is particularly pronounced in vulnerable regions, such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where existing challenges are exacerbated by diminished aid. In northern Nigeria, for instance, Doctors Without Borders reported that over 650 malnourished children tragically lost their lives in the first half of 2025 due to insufficient access to timely care. Further complicating matters, Save the Children recently alerted that countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan are on the verge of running out of essential nutritional supplies within the next quarter.
In light of these developments, some Republican lawmakers are voicing concerns about the legality of President Trump’s actions. Senator Susan Collins cautioned against this approach, advocating instead for collaboration through the established bipartisan appropriations process to responsibly manage federal spending and maintain vital humanitarian assistance.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant, advocating for continued support and emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach to global aid efforts.
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