Rubio Slashes Over $60 Billion in Wasteful Spending at State Department and USAID

In a bold move to rein in government waste, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cut more than $60 billion from the State Department and USAID budgets, delivering a massive win for American taxpayers. The cuts came after a comprehensive 90-day review of foreign assistance, aiming to eliminate ineffective and wasteful spending while maintaining crucial programs that bolster U.S. interests abroad.

An internal government document obtained by The Daily Wire reveals that the State Department evaluated over 9,100 grants worth approximately $15.9 billion. Following a meticulous review by career Foreign Service Officers and senior political leadership, over 4,100 grants totaling nearly $4.4 billion were marked for elimination representing a 28% reduction in grant value over just 15 days.

The cuts at USAID were even more significant. Of over 6,000 multi-year awards reviewed, nearly 5,800 awards with a staggering $54 billion remaining in value were axed, resulting in a 92% reduction in pending payouts.

Key Highlights of Rubio's Budget Overhaul:

• Eliminated Waste: More than $60 billion in wasteful spending identified and cut.

• Efficient Spending: Programs that do not make America “safer,” “stronger,” or “more prosperous” were slashed.

• Retained Programs: Essential initiatives, including food assistance, medical treatments for HIV, TB, and malaria, and critical aid for nations like Lebanon, Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba, were preserved.

The cuts were not without controversy. Leftist critics and mainstream media decried the reductions, accusing Rubio of abandoning foreign aid commitments. However, the secretary was careful to preserve funding for genuine humanitarian needs while eliminating bloated and ineffective programs.

Rubio’s approach is a sharp departure from the unchecked spending that has long plagued U.S. foreign assistance. Instead of allowing billions to flow into questionable initiatives, every dollar will now pass through a strict filter to ensure it advances American interests.

The State Department plans to work closely with Congress to reform how the U.S. delivers foreign assistance. Rubio’s team is focused on balancing humanitarian relief with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

This overhaul aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader agenda of prioritizing America’s interests. By cutting wasteful spending, Rubio not only strengthens the nation’s financial health but also sets a new standard for accountability and efficiency in Washington.

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