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President Trump and his team say they want to clean up America’s “money house” by stopping government spending that is wasteful, unfair, or harmful to our country. For the first time in 50 years, the President is using a special law called the Impoundment Control Act to cancel $5 billion that was going to foreign aid (money sent to other countries) and international groups.
This is called a pocket rescission—basically, the President’s way of saying, “Nope, we’re not paying for that anymore.”
What Was the Money Being Spent On?
A lot of the money was going to projects that many Americans feel don’t help our country. Instead, they say the money was used for programs that are wasteful, political, or don’t match America’s values. Here are some examples:
1. USAID Development Assistance – $3.2 billion
This account gave money to projects in other countries, but many were unusual or not helpful to American taxpayers. For example:
Millions of dollars for “climate change” projects in other countries.
Money for “listening tours” in tiny countries most Americans have never heard of.
Projects like baking classes or beauty therapy to support other countries.
Instead of helping people learn to be independent, these programs often just gave handouts. Money that Americans could use.
2. Democracy Fund – $322 million
This account was supposed to “promote democracy.” But some of the projects supported ideas many Americans disagree with, such as:
Funding groups that published articles attacking certain races.
Spending millions to push programs overseas.
Supporting projects that meddle in other countries’ elections.
3. International Organizations – $521 million
This was U.S. money sent to big global groups like the United Nations and others. But some of these groups don’t support America’s interests. Examples include:
$75 million for UNESCO, which has a history of being anti-Israel.
$29 million to the World Trade Organization, which often sides with other countries.
$107 million to a group that tries to unionize foreign workers, even if it hurts U.S. businesses.
4. UN Peacekeeping – $393 million
The U.S. has paid a lot for United Nations peacekeeping missions. But many of them failed or were linked to serious problems, like:
Peacekeepers being accused of crimes and even abuse in poor countries.
Missions in other countries that didn’t stop violence or coups (when the military takes over a government).
Billions spent with little proof of real peace or success.
5. Other Peacekeeping Operations – $445 million
More money was going to train and equip other countries’ militaries. But again, the results often didn’t last. For example:
Millions were given to the military in other countries that are interested in overthrowing its government.
Money was spent on equipment for peacekeepers in other countries.
Hundreds of millions went to other countries for piracy and violence continue.
Why This Matters
President Trump’s decision means that instead of wasting billions of dollars on projects that don’t help Americans, the money will stay here at home. The administration says this is part of putting America First—making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and for the benefit of our own country.
