Trump Administration Slashes $100M in Study Abroad Funding

What’s happening?

• The US government has slashed $100 million in funding for 22 study abroad programs in Fiscal Year 2025.
• These programs were already approved by Congress, making the cancellation highly unusual and controversial.
• The cuts could affect opportunities for thousands of students in 2026 and beyond.

Major Funding Cuts Announced

• The cancellation covers 22 programs, including some widely respected initiatives.
• This move is seen as an unprecedented reduction in cultural exchange funding.

ECA Staff “Blindsided”

• Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) employees were not informed directly.
• News spread via LinkedIn and word of mouth rather than an official notice.

Community Response & Campaigns

• The Alliance for International Exchange launched a campaign to save programs.
• Over 13,500 letters have already been sent to Congress.
• Staff stress that advocacy is crucial for program survival.

Impact on Programs & Timeline

• FY25 cuts affect 2026 cycles since many programs are forward funded.
• September 30 deadline makes restarting nearly impossible this year.
• There are real fears of programs not reopening at all.

Questions of Legality

• Cancelling congressionally approved funds is being called unconstitutional.
• The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) intervened for the first time ever in this process.

Staff and Implementer Impact

• Direct ECA jobs are safe for now.
• But many implementing partners face furloughs and closure, risking entire organizations.

Concerns for US Diplomacy & Soft Power

• Study abroad and exchanges foster international goodwill and US influence.
• Losing them weakens American soft power and global connections.
• Staff say consequences for diplomacy could be “dire.”

Lack of Transparency

• No explanation given for why specific programs were cut.
• Even Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)—a Trump-supported program—was cancelled.
• Even the Fulbright Program could face future risk.

Outlook for the Future

• Staff fear the cuts set a precedent for further reductions in FY26.
• Alumni and supporters are urged to pressure Congress to safeguard funding.

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