The White House is pushing for deep reductions in the U.S. State Department’s budget, including an almost total suspension of financial support for NATO and the United Nations.
According to The Washington Post, which reviewed an internal document, the proposed plan from the Trump administration outlines a near 50% cut to the State Department’s current funding. This would significantly reduce spending on humanitarian aid, global health initiatives, and contributions to international organizations.
The revised budget would allocate $28.4 billion for State Department operations—representing a 48% reduction from the amount approved by Congress for fiscal year 2025. While humanitarian and healthcare programs face proposed cuts of 54–55%, support for international organizations would drop by nearly 90%.
“According to the document, funding for the UN, NATO, and 20 other organizations would be terminated, with only selective contributions remaining for a small number of organizations, including the IAEA and the International Civil Aviation Organization,” the article states.
The document also recommends halting all U.S. funding for international peacekeeping operations, citing recent failures in their effectiveness.
Further proposed changes include major adjustments to employee compensation and structure within the State Department—affecting salaries, bonuses, per diem payments, hiring practices, and job roles.
The budget memo, dated April 10, was signed by Douglas Pitkin, Director of Budget and Planning at the State Department, and Peter Morocco, former Director of Foreign Assistance, who has since been dismissed.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been given until Tuesday to provide a response and present alternative suggestions, with the aim of delivering a finalized plan to Congress by the end of the month.
While the document reflects significant policy shifts, it remains a proposal subject to congressional approval.
