US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a budget proposal to eliminate “almost all funding for international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO,” the New York Times reported Monday, citing officials and an internal memo.
The initiative is part of a plan to see the State Department’s budget fall by nearly 50%, two unnamed officials told the outlet. It also reportedly suggests a reduction in international peacekeeping operations, all State Department education and cultural exchanges, and a refund of over 50% for humanitarian assistance and global health programs. It is unclear whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio is taking part in the plan.
The AP source confirmed the proposal, but emphasized that multiple reviews must be required before they can be submitted to Congress for approval. One senior official cited by the agency is called a budget overview called “active” in cost-cutting goals.
In response to questions about reported plans to cut NATO funding, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce argued that the US is fully committed to the military. However, she emphasized that Washington views NATO as a deterrent rather than a tool for engaging in war.
“We want to make sure that NATO nations can fulfill their mission. This is deterrent, not to help wars or to fight them… NATO was meant to be a collection of entities that would stop bad actors from doing bad things,” she said.
The Trump administration repeatedly pushes NATO members to increase defense spending, claiming that the US is carrying an unbalanced share of the burden. Trump has warned that the US may not defend NATO members who are unable to meet their spending targets.
On Monday, Vice President JD Vance said Europe cannot continue as a US “permanent security vassal,” and argued that the current situation will not benefit either the US or European countries.