Trump Administration Slashes $100m in Study Abroad Funding, Sparking Backlash
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The United States has announced sweeping cuts to study abroad programmes, slashing $100 million in funding for 22 initiatives in a move that has stunned the academic and cultural exchange community.
The decision, revealed last week, cancels funding already approved by Congress for the fiscal year 2025, effectively halting dozens of long-running programmes. A federal employee at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), speaking anonymously, described the cuts as “deeply troubling” and said staff had been blindsided after learning of the decision through social media.
The cancellation affects forward-funded initiatives, meaning that many 2026 programmes will also be jeopardised. Among the initiatives was the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), once considered one of Washington’s most impactful exchange schemes. Concerns are also mounting that flagship programmes such as the Fulbright Scholarship may not be safe from future reductions.
In response, the Alliance for International Exchange has launched a nationwide campaign urging Congress to intervene. The initiative has already generated more than 13,500 letters to lawmakers, highlighting fears that the cuts could permanently damage the United States’ reputation for cultural diplomacy.
“Even if the funds were restored today, the paperwork and deadlines would make it impossible to implement the programmes on time,” the ECA employee said, adding that fears are growing, that the administration could repeat the cuts in FY26.
Observers have also raised questions over the legality of cancelling congressionally appropriated funds, calling the move “unconstitutional”. The involvement of the Office for Management and Budget in the process – described as unprecedented – has added to concerns about political interference.
Beyond the financial impact, stakeholders warn the decision risks undermining US soft power. “The consequence of not having those international connections, even for a year, is dire,” the ECA employee cautioned.
With staff furloughs looming for implementing organisations and entire programmes at risk of collapse, advocates argue the long-term survival of American exchange initiatives now depends on swift action from Congress.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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