The Trump administration just dropped its 2026 budget request, and it’s basically the foreign aid version of flipping the table and walking out. If passed as is, it would gut U.S. foreign affairs spending to its lowest level in 80 years — that’s at least since World War II — slashing funding by 85%, canceling billions already promised, and zeroing out entire agencies that worked on issues such as democracy, refugees, and human rights.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the $28.5 billion request (that’s without counting the rescissions) is about "streamlining" and aligning with “national interests.” Critics say it's more like using a chainsaw on a backbone.
Global health? Down 62%. PEPFAR? Takes a big hit. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance? Axed. Development aid is being folded into a somewhat vague America First Opportunity Fund that’s relatively small in terms of funds but audacious in its ambitions to bolster U.S. national interests. Meanwhile, defense spending shoots past $1 trillion and refugee repatriation funding surges.