US Considers Halving State Department Budget in 2026 Proposal

Internal plans outline drastic funding cuts to diplomacy and international programs, with Secretary Marco Rubio's approval still pending.

The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget for the US State Department is set at $28.4 billion, nearly 50% lower than the previous year, reflecting a $26 billion reduction.
Plans include eliminating nearly all funding for international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO, significantly reducing US global engagement.
Ten embassies and 17 consulates, including sites in Germany, France, and Italy, are slated for closure under the proposed cuts.
Key programs like international peacekeeping missions and the Fulbright scholarship could face substantial funding reductions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not yet approved the proposals, which is required before submission to Congress, and no official statement has been issued by the State Department.