Washington — President Donald Trump has invoked the Impoundment Control Act for the first time in half a century, deploying what the White House called a “historic pocket rescission” to cut $5 billion in foreign aid and international organization funding.
The administration said the move targets spending that is “woke, weaponized, and wasteful,” arguing that many U.S.-funded programs overseas undermine American priorities and values.
Key Cuts
USAID Development Assistance ($3.2 billion): Programs addressing climate change, biodiversity, diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ initiatives, and small-scale projects such as “baking and beauty therapy in Zimbabwe” were cited as examples of misuse.
Democracy Fund ($322 million): Funds for “inclusive democracy” projects, LGBTQ advocacy, and gender-focused governance were eliminated, with the White House accusing such programs of meddling in foreign politics.
Contributions to International Organizations ($521 million): U.S. funding for the UN, UNESCO, WTO, ILO, OECD, and others was cut, with Trump officials describing these groups as hostile to U.S. interests.
UN Peacekeeping Contributions ($393 million): The administration highlighted alleged failures and abuses in missions across Africa and the Middle East as justification for withdrawal.
Peacekeeping Operations ($445 million): Funding for training and equipment for foreign militaries, including projects in Niger, Uruguay, Zambia, Kazakhstan, and Ghana, was eliminated.
White House Rationale
Officials said the rescission reflects Trump’s “America First” diplomacy, arguing that U.S. taxpayers should not finance programs they view as ideological or ineffective.
“Development aid and global organizations have too often bankrolled projects that undermine American workers and values,” the statement read, citing climate initiatives, global tax agreements, and UN peacekeeping scandals.
Political and Global Reactions
The decision is likely to debate in Congress and among U.S. allies. Supporters will view it as a bold move to rein in foreign aid spending, while critics may argue it weakens U.S. leadership abroad and abandons international commitments.
This marks the first use of a pocket rescission since the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, signaling a significant escalation in Trump’s efforts to reshape U.S. foreign assistance.
