Trump Seeks to Revoke $9.4 Billion in Funding for Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting
ICARO Media Group
**Title: Trump Seeks to Revoke $9.4 Billion in Funding for Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting**
President Trump has made a formal request to Congress to withdraw $9.4 billion in previously approved funding, targeting foreign aid and the Corporation of Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports NPR and PBS.
The proposed rescission package aims to implement substantial budget cuts driven by the administration's commitment to reducing costs and focusing on organizations seen as unfavorable to Republicans. Congressional Republican leaders confirmed on Tuesday night that they had received the president's request. Specifically, the package includes a proposal to revoke $8.3 billion in foreign assistance funds from USAID and the African Development Foundation, as well as $1.1 billion from the CPB.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher expressed grave concerns about the White House's memorandum asking Congress to "claw back" funding. Maher stated that such a revocation would result in immediate budget shortfalls, leading to severe consequences for the organization.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger echoed these concerns in an emailed statement. Kerger warned that the proposed cuts would have a "devastating impact" on the broadcaster's member stations, especially those in smaller and rural communities that rely heavily on federal funding.
Additionally, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has voiced apprehension about reductions to AIDS relief in Africa, which are included in the administration's rescission package.
The Trump administration has also notified Congress of its intention to close USAID, reflecting a broader strategy to eliminate foreign assistance programs deemed not aligned with its current priorities.