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.
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.
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.