Overview

• The proposed fiscal 2026 budget would reduce combined State Department and USAID funding by $27 billion, leaving $28.4 billion, a nearly 50% cut from 2025 levels.
• Plans include dismantling USAID as an independent agency and fully merging its functions into the State Department.
• The proposal calls for closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates, primarily in Africa and Europe, and downsizing several other diplomatic missions.
• Funding for humanitarian assistance and global health programs would be cut by 54% and 55%, respectively, with nearly 90% of support for international organizations like the UN and NATO eliminated.
• The plan faces strong bipartisan opposition in Congress, with critics warning it could undermine U.S. global leadership and create opportunities for adversaries like China and Russia.