Published by Cyril — August 29, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut $5 billion in foreign aid, a move that could trigger another federal government shutdown as Democrats strongly oppose the decision.
According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, the cuts will affect programs under the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Trump, in a letter to the House of Representatives, defended the move, insisting he will always put “America First.”
USAID Programs Slashed
Since returning to the office in January, Trump has pushed to downsize U.S. foreign aid spending, targeting agencies he believes waste taxpayer money. USAID, founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy to strengthen U.S. influence during the Cold War, has been drastically reduced after Secretary of State Marco Rubio cut 85 percent of its programs.
Rubio welcomed Trump’s latest decision, calling it part of an effort to “root out fraud, waste, and abuse from the U.S. government, saving American workers billions.” He highlighted that some of the eliminated funding included programs for global LGBTQ awareness.
Growing Opposition in Congress
The move has sparked a backlash from Democrats and even some moderate Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Trump’s budgetary tactic, known as a pocket rescission, calling it “illegal” and warning that it would almost certainly lead to a shutdown.
“It’s clear neither Trump nor Congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown,” Schumer said.
Democrats argue that Trump’s attempt to claw back funds already approved by Congress undermines legislative authority. With the fiscal year ending on September 30, they warned that any reversal of approved funding would derail negotiations to avoid a shutdown.
Potential Shutdown Impact
The United States narrowly avoided its last shutdown in March 2025, but the new standoff could see up to 900,000 federal employees furloughed, while another million deemed essential — including air traffic controllers, police officers, and food inspectors — would be forced to work without pay until a resolution is reached.
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Shutdowns, though rare, have been described as disruptive and costly, halting key government services, closing national parks, monuments, and federal buildings, and creating economic uncertainty across the country.
With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Trump is betting on delaying the funding until it expires, limiting the time for Democrats to act. But political analysts warn that the standoff could once again push the U.S. government to the brink of paralysis.
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