WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration wants to halve the State Department budget, cutting more than $30 billion, in fiscal 2026, four U.S. officials familiar with the plan said on Monday - a massive reduction that could see nearly 30 U.S. missions shut and foreign aid slashed by nearly 75%.
The sources said the cuts are outlined in a response by the White House budget office - the Office of Management and Budget - to funding requests submitted by the State Department for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1.
As part of the plan - which is yet to be finalized - the administration is considering a recommendation to shut down at least 27 missions largely in Africa and in Europe, according to a separate internal memo seen by Reuters. Ten of those missions are embassies and the rest are consulates.
That document provides ideas on how to shift towards a lower-cost operating model in at least four other overseas missions. It also outlines how some multi-mission posts such as the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris can be consolidated.
The State Department, the White House and the OMB did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
The sources said the cuts are outlined in a response by the White House budget office - the Office of Management and Budget - to funding requests submitted by the State Department for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1.
As part of the plan - which is yet to be finalized - the administration is considering a recommendation to shut down at least 27 missions largely in Africa and in Europe, according to a separate internal memo seen by Reuters. Ten of those missions are embassies and the rest are consulates.
That document provides ideas on how to shift towards a lower-cost operating model in at least four other overseas missions. It also outlines how some multi-mission posts such as the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris can be consolidated.
The State Department, the White House and the OMB did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
You may also like
Supreme Court or 'Super Parliament'? VP Dhankhar flags judiciary 'overreach'
Radio 1's Katie Thistleton has emergency operation on ovary weeks after giving birth
Tata Elxsi Q4 profit falls 14 pc to Rs 172 crore amid challenges in auto and media segments
Chris Eubank Jr fulfils promise to pay £50,000 to Conor Benn undercard fighters
Election guru Nate Silver predicts Ocasio-Cortez would lead Dems in 2028: Way too early but...
