The Trump administration's latest memo indicates potential funding cuts of nearly 50% for the State Department, affecting crucial international programs.
Trump Administration Proposes Major State Department Budget Cuts
Trump Administration Proposes Major State Department Budget Cuts
Proposed funding reductions raise concerns over international relations and humanitarian aid.
April 14, 2025, 7:18 p.m. ET — An internal memo from the Trump administration suggests substantial budget cuts for the State Department, potentially reducing its funding by nearly half for the upcoming fiscal year. This draft plan is currently being evaluated by department officials amid increasing pressure from the White House to implement widespread financial reductions.
The memo, which has been reviewed by The New York Times, recommends significantly slashing resources allocated to international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO, alongside a halt on funding for peacekeeping missions. It proposes cuts exceeding 50% in humanitarian aid and global health initiatives, raising critical concerns given Secretary of State Marco Rubio's prior commitments to protect lifesaving services.
While it remains unclear whether Rubio officially supports the proposed reductions detailed in the memo dated April 10, its authors include Pete Marocco and Douglas Pitkin, key figures in financial planning at the State Department. As lawmakers prepare for this spring's congressional budget discussions, there is uncertainty about how Congress will respond to these drastic proposals.
Federal agencies are required to submit detailed reorganization plans to the White House very soon, explaining their anticipated cuts to support an overall reduction of the federal government. Although many have started to implement their financial reductions, the State Department has yet to make its plans publicly known. This memo represents an ongoing dialogue between the White House and State Department regarding proposed budgetary changes.
The memo, which has been reviewed by The New York Times, recommends significantly slashing resources allocated to international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO, alongside a halt on funding for peacekeeping missions. It proposes cuts exceeding 50% in humanitarian aid and global health initiatives, raising critical concerns given Secretary of State Marco Rubio's prior commitments to protect lifesaving services.
While it remains unclear whether Rubio officially supports the proposed reductions detailed in the memo dated April 10, its authors include Pete Marocco and Douglas Pitkin, key figures in financial planning at the State Department. As lawmakers prepare for this spring's congressional budget discussions, there is uncertainty about how Congress will respond to these drastic proposals.
Federal agencies are required to submit detailed reorganization plans to the White House very soon, explaining their anticipated cuts to support an overall reduction of the federal government. Although many have started to implement their financial reductions, the State Department has yet to make its plans publicly known. This memo represents an ongoing dialogue between the White House and State Department regarding proposed budgetary changes.
