“Trump Targets $5bn in Foreign Aid Amid Budget Standoff with Democrats”

President Donald Trump has taken steps to block $5 billion in foreign aid previously approved by Congress, the White House confirmed on Friday. The decision has heightened concerns of a looming federal government shutdown, as Democrats strongly oppose the move.

In a letter to the House of Representatives, Trump noted that the cuts would affect programs under the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Since returning to office in January, Trump has pursued a broad agenda aimed at reducing or dismantling significant parts of the federal government.

USAID, established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy to expand US influence in the developing world during the Cold War, has seen its role drastically diminished. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier slashed 85 percent of its programs, effectively folding much of the agency into the State Department.

Democratic leaders have warned that any attempt to override funding already passed by Congress would derail negotiations to prevent a budget deadlock, raising the threat of a government shutdown after September 30.