Americans vastly overestimate U.S. foreign aid spending, believing it consumes 26% of the federal budget when it actually accounts for just 1%, according to a recent KFF poll. This misconception has bolstered support for the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to USAID programs, despite their critical role in global health and humanitarian efforts.
The poll found that 58% of respondents initially believed the U.S. was spending too much on foreign aid. However, when informed of the actual 1% figure, this percentage dropped to 34%. This shift underscores the urgent need for health journalists to educate the public on what USAID does and why its work matters.
The Trump administration’s attack on USAID
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has undertaken an aggressive campaign to dismantle USAID, freezing nearly all foreign aid contracts and eliminating over 90% of its grants. This move is part of a broader effort to align foreign assistance with what the administration defines as “national interests.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acting as USAID’s de facto leader, has justified these cuts by claiming they eliminate wasteful spending and redirect resources to domestic priorities. However, these decisions have sparked outrage among global health organizations and NGOs, which warn that such actions will lead to widespread humanitarian crises.
The administration’s rhetoric has been amplified by misinformation campaigns. Social media posts and statements from officials have highlighted projects like a transgender opera in Colombia or workplace diversity initiatives in Serbia as examples of wasteful spending.
However, investigations have shown that many of these claims are either exaggerated or entirely false. Only one of these projects was actually funded by USAID, while others were supported by unrelated agencies. These narratives obscure the broader reality: USAID’s budget is small but impactful, funding life-saving interventions in over 100 countries.
Debunking myths about foreign aid
The KFF poll reveals the following most prominent myths about U.S. foreign aid, and how our stories can help set the record straight:
The human cost of cutting USAID
The consequences of gutting USAID extend far beyond budgetary concerns. USAID has been at the forefront of global health efforts for over five decades, focusing on three strategic priorities: preventing child and maternal deaths, controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic and combating infectious diseases.
Health organizations have warned that millions will face hunger, disease, and displacement as critical programs collapse. Here’s how:
- Food supplies intended for famine-stricken regions may rot in warehouses due to halted funding.
- HIV prevention programs for pregnant women could cease operations, leading to increased mother-to-child transmission rates.
- Emergency responses to natural disasters like droughts or floods may be delayed or canceled entirely.
These outcomes not only harm vulnerable populations but also undermine U.S. security by fostering instability and migration pressures.
How journalists can step up
By providing accurate reporting on what USAID does and how little it costs taxpayers, we can help shift public opinion towards facts and context. Consider challenging misleading narratives propagated by political leaders and social media influencers. For example, claims that USAID funds frivolous projects often go unchallenged in public discourse. Fact-checking such statements and contextualizing them within the agency’s broader mission can help counteract misinformation.
Fact-checking through data points is not enough. Consider also highlighting the real-world impact of USAID’s work. Stories about lives saved through vaccination campaigns or communities rebuilt after natural disasters can humanize foreign aid and demonstrate its value.
USAID’s mission may seem distant from domestic concerns, but its work ultimately serves both global humanity and American interests. For example, USAID’s global health programs have saved millions of lives through initiatives like PEPFAR, which provides antiretroviral therapy to HIV patients and has prevented millions of infections worldwide. USAID also funds vaccination campaigns against diseases like polio and malaria, ensuring that outbreaks are contained before they can spread internationally. Understanding and accurately reporting on these initiatives can help dispel misconceptions about foreign aid and demonstrate the real-world impact of U.S. investments in global health.
