Republicans Approve $9 Billion in Foreign Aid and Program Cuts

Early Friday, U.S. Republicans approved a plan from President Donald Trump to eliminate $9 billion in funding, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. Lawmakers described the move as the first step in a broader effort to cut government spending.

While the cuts represent only a small portion of the $1 trillion in annual savings once promised by tech billionaire Elon Musk who stepped away from his federal cost-cutting role in May supporters of the plan say it fulfills Trump’s campaign promise to reduce government waste.

“President Trump and House Republicans pledged to bring fiscal discipline and improve government efficiency,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson shortly after the vote. “Today’s decision reflects that commitment.”

With both chambers of Congress under Republican control, the bill passed narrowly in the House with a 216–213 vote just after midnight, following earlier Senate approval. It now heads to the president’s desk for signing. Trump praised the move, calling it a long-awaited victory: “REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED… BUT NO MORE. THIS IS BIG!!!” he posted online.

The bill cuts funding for a range of programs, many of which support countries dealing with disease outbreaks, conflicts, and natural disasters. It also eliminates $1.1 billion previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting over the next two years. That funding supports more than 1,500 local public TV and radio stations, including national networks. Critics of the cuts argue these outlets provide vital services and unbiased information, while some conservatives have claimed the coverage has shown political bias.

Originally, the bill included $400 million in reductions to a global AIDS program known for saving millions of lives. However, pushback from moderate Republicans preserved that funding.

For supporters, the vote marks a win for Trump-aligned fiscal conservatives and the mission of the federal cost-cutting office once led by Musk. Opponents argue it undermines bipartisan budget decisions already made, noting that the funds being withdrawn had already been approved by Congress.

Democratic leaders responded with sharp criticism, saying the move disregards national priorities and could set the stage for future budget conflicts. “Instead of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the American people, House Republicans have chosen to rubber-stamp a reckless and extreme plan,” said Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a joint statement with other top lawmakers.

With a September deadline looming to pass a full government funding bill, Democrats warned that the vote could jeopardize future negotiations. They suggested the rescissions package increases the risk of a government shutdown, given that Republicans will eventually need bipartisan support to approve any long-term spending plan.

Though Democrats are in the minority, they hold influence in the Senate, where at least 60 votes are needed to pass budget legislation and Republicans control only 53 seats.

One Senate leader called the cuts a blow to communities that rely on public broadcasting during emergencies like hurricanes and floods. Meanwhile, a top White House budget official said more funding rescission proposals may be on the way.