The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 25, 2025
Today: April 25, 2025

Trump administration wants to halve State Dept budget, slash foreign aid 75%

FILE PHOTO: The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington
April 14, 2025

By Jonathan Landay and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration wants to halve the State Department budget, cutting more than $30 billion, in fiscal 2026, four U.S. officials familiar with the plan said on Monday - a massive reduction that could see nearly 30 U.S. missions shut and foreign aid slashed by nearly 75%.

The sources said the cuts are outlined in a response by the White House budget office โ€“ the Office of Management and Budget โ€“ to funding requests submitted by the State Department for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1.

As part of the plan - which is yet to be finalized - the administration is considering a recommendation to shut down at least 27 missions largely in Africa and in Europe, according to a separate internal memo seen by Reuters. Ten of those missions are embassies and the rest are consulates.

That document provides ideas on how to shift towards a lower-cost operating model in at least four other overseas missions. It also outlines how some multi-mission posts such as the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris can be consolidated.

The State Department, the White House and the OMB did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Share This

Popular

Africa|Business|Economy|Education|Health|Lifestyle|Political|World

Catholics remember Pope Francis as a friend of Africa, with some setting theology aside

Catholics remember Pope Francis as a friend of Africa, with some setting theology aside
Africa|Business|Economy|Finance|World

Ethiopia's inflation rate to decline to 10% in 2025/2026 fiscal year

Ethiopia's inflation rate to decline to 10% in 2025/2026 fiscal year
Africa|Political|World

South African president discusses Ukraine, bilateral ties with Trump

South African president discusses Ukraine, bilateral ties with Trump
Africa|Political|World

South Africa says Ukraine peace talks should have no preconditions

South Africa says Ukraine peace talks should have no preconditions

Political

Business|Environment|Political|US|World

State Department nixes climate office, revamps energy bureau, sources say

State Department nixes climate office, revamps energy bureau, sources say
Political|World

US says blast near Yemen UNESCO world heritage site caused by Houthi missile

US says blast near Yemen UNESCO world heritage site caused by Houthi missile
Health|Political|World

Thai PM hospitalised with fever following Cambodia trip

Thai PM hospitalised with fever following Cambodia trip
Africa|Business|Economy|Education|Health|Lifestyle|Political|World

Catholics remember Pope Francis as a friend of Africa, with some setting theology aside

Catholics remember Pope Francis as a friend of Africa, with some setting theology aside