The Trump administration has developed a plan for radical cuts in foreign policy spending, proposing to slash the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) by 48% compared to the current year. According to the document, which was seen by The Washington Post on April 14, 2025, the total funding for these agencies will be $28,4 billion - $27 billion less than in 2025. The plan calls for a complete halt in funding for the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and two dozen other international organizations, as well as a 54% reduction in humanitarian programs and a 55% reduction in international health initiatives. These measures, proposed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, have raised concerns among lawmakers who are skeptical that such a sequestration will be approved by Congress.

The plan’s key element is its intent to integrate USAID into the State Department, centralizing foreign aid management. The biggest blow — a 90% cut — would be to funding for international organizations of which the U.S. is a member. The document omits funds for the UN, NATO, and peacekeeping missions, though it retains funds for organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Analysts say this reflects Trump’s desire to refocus U.S. foreign policy on bilateral relations, minimizing participation in multilateral institutions that he has repeatedly criticized for their ineffectiveness.

The cuts to humanitarian aid and health programs, including support for refugees and the fight against global pandemics, could seriously affect the U.S.’s reputation as a leader in international aid. The plan has drawn criticism even from Republicans, who fear it will weaken Washington’s influence on the world stage. Still, Trump’s supporters in Congress support the idea, arguing that budget funds should be spent on domestic priorities such as infrastructure and border security.