Page Reader AI | Trump Administration Memo Proposes Cutting State Department Funding by Nearly Half

Trump Administration Memo Proposes Cutting State Department Funding by Nearly Half - The New York Times

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Key Proposal

A memo from the Trump administration suggests significantly reducing the State Department's budget, potentially by nearly 50%. This proposal is expected to be included in a spring budget submission to Congress.

Congressional Reaction

Democratic senators have strongly criticized the proposed cuts. Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern that such reductions would leave the US vulnerable and allow adversaries like China and Russia to gain influence. Senator Brian Schatz emphasized that these cuts would jeopardize America's security.

Impact and Concerns

The proposed cuts are part of a broader effort to downsize the federal government. While some agencies have already implemented cuts, the State Department's specific plans haven't been fully disclosed. The senators' statements highlight worries about the impact on US foreign policy, international relations, and national security.

But, according to a U.S. official familiar with the department’s review, it is likely that the White House will send Congress a budget proposal this spring that is substantially similar to what the memo outlines in an effort to press lawmakers to formalize downsizing efforts that are already underway.

Agencies are facing a deadline this week to submit detailed reorganization plans to the White House explaining what cuts they will make to help further shrink the federal government. While many departments have already announced or begun carrying out their planned cuts, the State Department has yet to publicly detail complete plans for downsizing. The memo is part of a process involving the White House budget office and the State Department trading proposals and suggestions.

Reports of steep cuts already had Democrats on Capitol Hill reeling.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement on Monday that the cuts “would leave our country alone and exposed and allow China and Russia to fill the vacuum made vacant by this administration.”

“Why in the world would we cut funding for NATO at a moment when war is raging in Europe and security threats on the continent grow?” she added.

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, the top Democrat on the appropriations committee, said: “While ultimately Congress controls the purse strings, recent reports about the administration’s plan to gut State Department personnel, U.S. presence overseas and foreign assistance are deeply troubling. These cuts don’t make America safer, they risk our security.”