Trump signs bill cutting $8 billion in foreign aid

President Donald Trump has signed a bill rescinding $9 billion in previously approved funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. The move aligns with ongoing Republican efforts to slash spending on programs targeted by the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Breakdown of aid

A significant portion of the funds had been originally designated for foreign assistance programs. Around $1.1 billion was set aside for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports outlets like NPR and PBS.

Reason behind cuts

According to the White House, the move is part of an effort to eliminate what it views as politically biased and unnecessary spending. Conservatives have frequently criticized NPR and PBS, accusing them of having a left-leaning bias and questioning their reliance on federal funding. While Republicans support the cuts, lawmakers from rural districts have voiced serious concerns. Many local public broadcasting stations in remote areas rely heavily on federal support. Some say they may be forced to shut down entirely.

Democrats’ response

Senator Lisa Murkowski emphasized the vital role these stations play in public safety, especially in isolated regions. It’s “not just your news — it is your tsunami alert, it is your landslide alert, it is your volcano alert.” Democrats strongly opposed the bill, warning it could severely damage both domestic infrastructure and America’s global reputation. They argue that slashing foreign aid not only harms the world’s most vulnerable populations but also opens the door for rivals, particularly China, to fill the void. “With these cuts, we will cause death, spread disease and deepen starvation across the planet,” Senator Brian Schatz said.

Republican perspective

Defending the decision, the Trump administration claims the cuts will encourage other countries to take greater responsibility in responding to global humanitarian crises. Officials also argue the rescinded funds reflect a broader commitment to protecting American taxpayers. Republicans have indicated that this bill is likely the first of several aimed at eliminating what they call “waste, fraud and abuse” in federal spending.

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