A Pew Research Center analysis of ForeignAssistance.gov data shows U.S. foreign assistance has slumped dramatically during President Trump’s second term, reaching its lowest inflation‑adjusted level in more than twenty years. Federal agencies disbursed $47.3 billion in FY 2025—about $26 billion less than the previous year—and the figure is projected to dip further this fiscal year, with only $7 billion recorded through July 1.
Historically, aid has hovered around 1 % of total federal outlays, but it accounted for just 0.67 % of spending in FY 2025 and a mere 0.09 % so far in FY 2026. The recent spike from 2022 to 2024, driven largely by Ukraine support after Russia’s invasion, peaked at $85.1 billion in FY 2023. The current totals exclude most arms sales and other defense transfers.
Ukraine remained the top recipient in FY 2025 with $6.7 billion, a 34 % drop from the prior year, and has received only $214 million so far in FY 2026. Aid to Israel and Jordan followed, while military and security assistance fell to 15.5 % of total aid—the smallest share since 2001. Public‑health programs now comprise the largest portion of U.S. foreign aid, signaling a shift toward non‑military priorities.
