The White House is calling on Congress to formalize a set of proposed budget cuts that would scale back U.S. involvement in global development and international broadcasting. These recommendations, part of President Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget, aim to reshape how the U.S. engages abroad.
The proposed reductions would impact the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which manages global humanitarian aid and development projects. Officials say the administration wants to refocus spending on key priorities while eliminating programs that are seen as less efficient or outdated.
Also on the chopping block is funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which supports outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The administration claims the goal is to streamline operations and concentrate resources where they’re most needed. However, some critics argue that cutting these media efforts could weaken America’s influence in promoting free press and democratic ideals overseas.
These proposed changes are part of a broader $7.3 trillion budget framework designed to reduce the national deficit through new tax measures on large corporations and high-income earners. While the president’s budget lays out the administration’s vision, it’s ultimately up to lawmakers to decide whether these cuts will move forward.
