According to internal US government planning documents seen by foreign media, President Trump's administration aims to cut the State Department's budget by about half, a move that could lead to the closure of nearly 30 US embassies and significantly reduce foreign aid.
The report states that the White House Office of Management and Budget responded to the State Department's fiscal year 2026 budget request with a "feedback document" suggesting a reduction of nearly $30 billion (132.483 billion Malaysian Ringgit). The new fiscal year will begin on October 1, 2025.
The "Washington Post" was the first to report on this internal document. According to another internal memo seen by foreign media, the US government is considering closing at least 27 embassies abroad, primarily located in Africa and Europe, as part of this plan that has not been finalized, including 10 embassies and several consulates.
According to the document summary seen by foreign media, the White House Office of Management and Budget suggests the State Department's 2026 fiscal year budget should be $28.4 billion (125.417 billion Malaysian Ringgit), while the current fiscal year budget is $54.4 billion (240.236 billion Malaysian Ringgit). Additionally, the Office also suggests reducing the foreign aid funds for the State Department and US Agency for International Development from $38.3 billion (169.137 billion Malaysian Ringgit) to $16.9 billion (74.632 billion Malaysian Ringgit).
At this time, the Trump administration and the government efficiency department led by billionaire Musk are vigorously and resolutely downsizing the federal government, cutting billions of dollars in spending and laying off thousands of employees.
The US State Department, the White House, and the White House Office of Management and Budget have not immediately responded to foreign media requests for comment.