WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 “skinny” budget request for the State Department and U.S. international affairs programs: 

The proposed cuts to America’s International Affairs Budget (adjusting for inflation) would bring investments to the lowest level since World War II—turning inward was a mistake then and it’s a mistake now. 

At a time when China, Russia, and other rivals are working to replace America’s influence around the world, shrinking our global footprint by a staggering 84% will not help us win. This includes a proposed deep and disproportionate 50% cut to resources for the upcoming fiscal year on top of a request to cancel $21.6 billion in funds already approved by Congress. 

We all agree that U.S. international assistance can work better for the American people – and that smart reforms to maximize the impact of every dollar are necessary. But spending less on international affairs than Americans spend on Halloween supplies will not achieve the Administration’s goal of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Diplomacy, development, and international assistance are fundamental tools of U.S. national security – not giveaways.

A smaller American footprint abroad means we are less prepared to fight disease, hunger, and terror before they migrate to our shores, and it means fewer buyers for American-made products, hitting our farmers and businesses hardest.

It’s time for Congress to take the pen and make clear that reform, not retreat, is how America will win in the world.