Rescissions Act eliminated $7.9 billion in international aid and $1.1 billion from public broadcasting
May 15, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Why Level 3?
Systemic escalation: Elimination of previously appropriated funds without proper process. Multiple guardrails bypassed: Congressional authority, appropriations process, institutional independence. Measurable harm to public media and international development programs.
What Happened
Context
President Trump signed the Rescissions Act of 2025 on May 15, 2025, eliminating approximately $7.9 billion in international aid and $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
Action Taken
Signed the Rescissions Act of 2025 on May 15, 2025, eliminating approximately $7.9 billion in international aid and $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting. The act rescinded previously appropriated funds without Congressional reauthorization. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced it would close in January 2026 due to lack of government funding. Critics argued the rescissions bypassed normal budget processes and eliminated critical funding for public media and international development programs.
In His Own Words
"We need to cut wasteful spending on public broadcasting."
"International aid is not a priority for American taxpayers."
"Public broadcasting has become too political."
What's Wrong
Rescissions Act eliminated previously appropriated funds without proper Congressional reauthorization or public debate. The act bypassed normal budget processes and eliminated critical funding for public media and international development programs. Critics argued the rescissions violated Congressional appropriations authority and undermined public media independence.
Impact
Economic: Eliminated $7.9 billion in international aid and $1.1 billion from public broadcasting. Institutional: CPB announced closure in January 2026 due to lack of funding. Operational: Public broadcasting stations faced closure or reduced services. International: Elimination of international aid affected development programs and diplomatic relationships.