Fact Check: The Trump administration proposed cutting the entire 2026 budget for Food for Peace.

Fact Check: "The Trump administration proposed cutting the entire 2026 budget for Food for Peace."

What We Know

The claim that the Trump administration proposed cutting the entire 2026 budget for the Food for Peace program is based on the fiscal year 2026 budget request released by the administration. According to the official budget document, the Food for Peace program, which allocates approximately $1.6 billion for food aid overseas, is indeed targeted for elimination in the proposed budget (Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf). This program is part of a broader initiative to reduce non-defense discretionary spending by approximately 23%, which totals around $163 billion in cuts across various programs (Senator Murray on President Trump's Budget Request).

Additionally, reports indicate that the budget proposal includes significant reductions to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding, which encompasses the Food for Peace program among others. The USDA is facing an overall cut of about 18%, which further emphasizes the administration's intention to slash funding for food aid programs (Trump Budget Proposes 18% Cut to USDA Funding).

Analysis

The assertion that the Trump administration proposed cutting the entire budget for Food for Peace is partially true. The budget request does indeed propose eliminating funding for this program entirely. However, it is essential to note that the proposal is just that—a proposal. The final budget must be approved by Congress, which has historically made adjustments to presidential budget requests.

Moreover, the claim is supported by various credible sources, including the official budget document and statements from Senator Patty Murray, who criticized the budget for its drastic cuts to essential programs (Senator Murray on President Trump's Budget Request). The New York Times also corroborates this information, stating that the administration recommended cutting all funding for Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole program, which is another food aid initiative (From Food Aid to Dog Chow? How Trump's Cuts Hurt ...).

While the sources are reliable, it is important to consider the context in which the budget was proposed. The proposed cuts are part of a broader strategy to reduce government spending, which has been a consistent theme in Trump's fiscal policies. Critics argue that such cuts could have severe implications for food security and humanitarian assistance globally (Congress Must Reject the Trump Administration's FY 2026 ...).

Conclusion

The claim that the Trump administration proposed cutting the entire 2026 budget for Food for Peace is partially true. The administration's budget request does indeed propose eliminating funding for the program entirely. However, as this is a proposal that requires Congressional approval, the final outcome may differ. The context of these cuts and their potential impact on food aid should also be considered when evaluating the claim.

Fact Check: The Trump administration proposed cutting the entire 2026 budget for Food for Peace.