Should the US increase or decrease foreign aid spending?
Foreign aid is a transfer of financial resources or commodities or technical advice and training. The resources can take the form of grants or concessional credits (e.g., export credits). Foreign aid is used to support US national security and commercial interests and can also be distributed for humanitarian reasons. Aid spending is financed by U.S. taxpayers and distributed through 20 government agencies that manage foreign assistance programs. In 2020 the U.S. distributed $39 billion on economic assistance, $25 billion through the U.S. Agency for International Development and $11.6 billion on military assistance.
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@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Decrease
@9H5KZD42yrs2Y
In the war with Ukraine, we are sending so much money, that we are basically funding the war. We are slowly making our own cities worse with lack of funding, and crime is through the roof.
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Increase
@9H5KZD42yrs2Y
If we focus more on foreign aid, we start to neglect our own citizens and leave ourselves defenseless. We send our money and troops away. not good.
@9FM28JS2yrs2Y
If we increase Foreign aid we can reap the benefits of other countries support. The global economy is crucial in our own economy and working with others is the best way to succeed.
@9HDX6Q42yrs2Y
This way, we are less likely to be attacked and will establish peace to other countries and inside America.
@9LQ54QD1yr1Y
It will help use make connections with other countries and help us get through wars as well as for other countries.
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Decrease, and we should not give foreign aid to any countries
I think they should not decrease the foreign aid because it can help people to save their lives from something bad happening to them
@9GTGH6R2yrs2Y
Foreign aid is a long term investment not only in the quality of life for global citizens, but also for the national security of the united states.
@9GSHSY22yrs2Y
I think they should not decrease the foreign aid because it can help people to save their lives from something bad happening to them.
@9GRNN6G2yrs2Y
Because we should focus on the things we have going in our country first and paying off our large amount of national debt.
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Decrease, until we drastically reduce our national budget deficit
@B6KNV722mos2MO
There are many such aspects other than foreign aid that have more debt. Foreign aid for other countries is a fringe minority beside the many other spendings.
@9FM28JS2yrs2Y
My counter-argument would be that Foreign aid and helping other countries can greatly improve out relationships with other countries resulting in more trade overall for a better global economy
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Increase, but only for countries that have no human rights violations
@B6KNV722mos2MO
Less corrupt, more reliable, able to be monitored, progressed, tracked, and headed for success. All in wise means with right leadership and proper accountability.
@cryingleftist5yrs5Y
Increase but only if the US gets a say in what the funds are used for. For example, if Nigeria was a country being funded the US should get to say that their funds should not be supporting SARS.
This is a complicated topic; for example, I read that some foreign aid distorts local industry and development. Much more thought is needed.
@9MFBRSL1yr1Y
Increase only for countries with clear humanitarian needs like Ukraine. Deny aid for countries that harbor or promote terrorism
@9GWQR8F2yrs2Y
I am satisfied with the current amount of spending, but be more selective on who we give to and how much
@9GN5KWP2yrs2Y
Increase for countries with clear humanitarian needs, but deny aid to countries that violate human rights and harbor or promote terrorism
@9DG83Y52yrs2Y
Provide foreign aid to Armenia
@9FHJ8V62yrs2Y
Increase, but only aid those who are in a relationship with the U.S. or are included in NATO or the United Nations.
@OtterSkylarLibertarian2yrs2Y
While it's understandable to prioritize alliances, this approach might overlook nations that are in dire need but are not necessarily aligned with the U.S., NATO, or part of the UN. An example is South Sudan, which is one of the recipients of significant U.S. aid despite its challenging political situation. Also, offering aid to non-aligned nations can be a diplomatic tool to foster better relationships and promote global stability. What are your thoughts on this?
@L3gislatorDoveGreen2yrs2Y
I hear where you're coming from, but let's not forget that foreign aid isn't purely altruistic. It's also a strategic tool. Consider the Marshall Plan after WWII, where the U.S. aided Europe for its recovery, but also to curb Soviet influence. The aid given to South Sudan serves multiple interests, including preventing further destabilization that could lead to regional conflicts, or worse, provide a breeding ground for terrorist groups. It's a complex issue, isn't it? Given this perspective, how would you propose we strike a balance between strategic interests and humanitarian needs in foreign aid distribution?
@OtterSkylarLibertarian2yrs2Y
You're absolutely right that foreign aid has been historically used as a strategic tool, like in the case of the Marshall Plan. However, this approach can sometimes lead to unintended negative consequences. For instance, while the U.S. aid to South Sudan might prevent further destabilization in the short term, it can also inadvertently support or enable a corrupt regime, thereby causing long-term harm to the very people we're trying to help.
Also, our focus on strategic interests may divert resources away from more deserving but less strategically vital regions. This risks perpetuat… Read more
@L3gislatorDoveGreen2yrs2Y
I see your point about the potential for aid to inadvertently support corrupt regimes, and the suggestion to tie aid to good governance and human rights is a compelling one. However, it does open up another set of challenges. For instance, what happens when a nation fails to meet these standards? Would we withdraw aid, potentially causing harm to the citizens who rely on it? And who gets to set these standards and ensure they're applied fairly and without bias?
For example, take the case of Ethiopia. It's one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid in Africa, and while it's made… Read more
@9ZLWXN2 11mos11MO
Decrease, and aid should be dependent on a move away from corruption and toward political and economic freedom
@9ZL497P11mos11MO
Stay the same but only for those that are in critical danger and don't have large military as the U.S does
We should spend every tax dollar wisely—and that includes the small slice we invest in foreign aid, which is less than 1% of the federal budget. That funding helps prevent wars, fight terrorism, stop pandemics before they reach our shores, and strengthen our alliances in a dangerous world. Pulling back too far has already weakened our global influence, and left room for China and Russia to step in. If we want to protect American interests and values, we’ve got to show up. That doesn’t mean writing blank checks—it means smart, targeted investments that make America safer, stronger, and more respected
@9LF5SCS1yr1Y
we should decrease aid to countries that are more than capable of supporting themselves. We should also end support of any nation that is violating human rights or other international laws
@9L4Z23BIndependent 1yr1Y
Decrease, we need to end military aid to non-ally countries unless they agree to buy weapons. Humanitarian aid should be capped
@9L74FFC2yrs2Y
Increase only for countries with clear humanitarian needs. Deny or at least decrease aid for countries that frequently violate human rights or harbor/support terrorism
@9FN664G2yrs2Y
Decrease but increase aid for Israel
@9D3RPBQ2yrs2Y
I want to give foreign aid if those countries are radically left-wing Or desperate countries
@Sam-From-The-Pool 2yrs2Y
Redirect from developed countries or countries with human rights violations to developing countries that need it
If they can send $100 billion to Isreal but 'can't' afford to improve our social programs and the lives of all citizens, then yes they should cut foreign spending.
@9FL8VG52yrs2Y
BDS, reparations to Afghanistan
@97FJZ7M3yrs3Y
Decrease for countries with Human Rights violations. HEAVILY decrease for Israel.
@58NVHL85yrs5Y
What agenda are we pursuing? If we seek the eradication of disease and human misery, then we should fund international agencies like the WHO. If we seek to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries, we should stay home and mind our own business.
@8PJPGCH5yrs5Y
Decrease, and deny aid to countries that violate human rights.
@93GGBC43yrs3Y
@RobinHoudeSocialist3yrs3Y
Increase, but helping other countries is an international issue and should be done through an international body like the UN
@8S4HTQ75yrs5Y
Decrease, deny aid to countries that promote/harbor terrorism and/or have gross human rights violations
@92FF8QD3yrs3Y
The US has a chance to help, when its own country is stable, countries that are in crisis.
@9HDN9FHLibertarian2yrs2Y
Decrease how much is being spent slowly while incorporating ways to help these countries establish themselves on their own.
@9D46Z3T2yrs2Y
Foreign aid spending should be based on assessment of national security and that of allies
@96VWVYW3yrs3Y
Increase, and deny aid to countries that promote terrorism
@96M7YNX3yrs3Y
Stay the same, but deny aid to countries with human rights violations.
@B7KTJ4Q3 days3D
Regardless, it should be contracted that countries should compensate the US with interest or repay us with supplies of some sort that we need.
@B7JYC5L5 days5D
continue to provide meaningful foreign aid to friendly nations that Are not enemies of the US or its ally's or harbor such individuals.
@B7JWS6J5 days5D
Decrease for countries that promote ignorant behavior and violence. Stay the same for countries/allies that align with American values.
@B7JPHZK5 days5D
We need to decrease in order to solve our own crises, but should give foreign aid, not to service the monopolies of multinational corporations across different countries and for personal interest, but to aid the populace. We also need to pay reparations to all the countries we have directly or inadvertently destroyed.
@B7JNX7BRepublican5 days5D
Decrease for purposes that are unimportant and useless to the US, and human rights shouldn't be a standard because it seems to be malleable and double standard more than anything
@B7HX82P6 days6D
The US should maintain current foreign aid spending and use it to encourage democratic elections and assist in rooting out corruption.
@B7HJ73Z6 days6D
Should not. Countries shouldn't exist; people are tribal by nature. Tribes should be the way of life.
@B7HFKJV6 days6D
For countries in need and I hate that America supports and helps Isreal while Gaza in is stage 5 starvation/famine they help Israel for money because they are money hungry they worship this life FREE PALESTINE Tahyia falesteen
Increase to countries that are facing human rights violations and to countries who have no human rights violations
@B7DW8NW 1wk1W
I am satisfied but remove spending from countries committing human rights violations/ crimes against humanity.
@B7FQTY21wk1W
Not change the amount of spending, but should help countries in need and not countries that want more weapons for selfish reasons.
I believe we should use our privilege to help other foster prosperity and human rights in other countries but respecting their autonomy simultaneously
@7YS3KJPIndependent 1wk1W
I am satisfied with historical amounts of spending; however, orgs such as USAID could be reformed to make the process of delivering foreign aid and the efficiency of that aid more effective, and I would like to see the formation of Truman-style committees to ensure they remain efficient. I am NOT for the complete gutting of USAID and reliance on private orgs to scramble to fill those gaps that we've been seeing recently.
@B7FGZBM1wk1W
Increase spending on actual humanitarian assistance but Decrease funding for infrastructure development
@B7F8LSD1wk1W
Prioritize providing for American citizens first and then provide aid because the benefits of "soft-power" are immeasurable.
@B7F9ZMZ1wk1W
Decrease, and reallocate remaining funds to countries that are not actively engaging in human rights violations
@B7F84L71wk1W
Stay the same. But allocate budget to countries that human rights are being violated. Not supporting war and miltary budgets.
@B7F4WHS2wks2W
All foreign aid should be strictly audited, and the amount and reason for allocation should be voted on by congress on a case-by-case basis
@B7DS4Q22wks2W
I believe foreign aid should be strictly humanitarian, regions or countries where people are starving should receive aid, but we should not be funding foreign states.
@B7D4V9NIndependent2wks2W
I think the United States has an obligation as one of the powers in the world to help out the smaller countries. For example, the U.S. should be supporting Ukraine against Russia.
@B7C7PWB2wks2W
Increase but for countries that clearly have humanitarian needs and need assistance, but not to countries with human rights violations and terrorism.
@B7BSVXX2wks2W
Decrease, but cuts should be directed toward wasteful and/or obsolete programs, and the US should limit involvement in foreign conflicts that pose no risk to US national security
Increase if used for the correct country, decrease when unnecessary, like Russia and Ukraine and Israel, the U.S is funding to the wrong place and helping Israel when we should be helping the palestinians
@B79WBLC2wks2W
Increase to pre-Trump levels, but give it more efficiently, directly to small businesses within less developed countries.
@B79Q5FW2wks2W
Decrease across the board, but only provide aid for countries that are unquestionably our allies, do not go against american values and benefits the U.S.
@B79F2TD2wks2W
If the country really needs something (funds), and they have no way of getting them I think we should help.
@B795QB42wks2W
Decrease Foreign Aid, add conditional monitoring and usage restrictions for distribution, and relegate some of the previous spending with conditional economic aid to benefit the US.
@B78S9DN2wks2W
Instead of supporting states we should support peoples, international working-class solidarity is the way.
@B78263X3wks3W
Increase only to the countries that are trustworthy and need it and decrease to established wealthy countries.
@B74GGFX 3wks3W
I'd argue we should help fund and build countries with many HRVs. We need to control the country to build a proper government (ironic given how its went in the past) but I think that's the best we can do.
@9PDJD35Republican 3wks3W
decrease and only be given to countries who accept pay back aid in forms of money material or trade.
@B76P3KQ3wks3W
Foreign aid can be incredibly important if done responsibly. More budget is great, but it depends how this would affect the national budget as a whole.
@B76DNSZ3wks3W
America should be for Americans. NATO countries and countries that we have entered alliances with, such as Israel or South Korea should receive military Aid and assistance, but humanitarian Aid should only be provided in times of natural disaster or catastrophe, and in limited and necessary amounts only.
For Ukraine, I feel like we should keep funding them. But for Israel I feel like we should stop funding them completely.
@B75ZD533wks3W
I support maintaining or modestly increasing U.S. foreign aid because it promotes global stability and benefits our national interests, but aid should be targeted, transparent, and balanced with domestic priorities and fiscal responsibility.
@9SJQ9W9 4wks4W
Current amount, but only aid the citizens and refugees, not the war mongering political affiliations
@B6YP2GJ4wks4W
I am satisfied with the current amount, but decrease spending to countries if the people themselves promote terrorism.
@B6XF7TS4wks4W
We should prudently increase spending, focusing on developing nations with minimal real human rights violations and should absolutely not support states sponsoring terrorism.
@B6W83981mo1MO
foreign aid helps build relations with other countries, as well as building a stable non violent or hostile relationship with the country that needs the help.
@B6VDDZS1mo1MO
increase, but only for countries going though crisis such as, destruction from war, genocide, and terrorist attacks.
@96P8K72Libertarian 1mo1MO
Increase, but only for countries facing active threats to their citizens, their security, their sovereignty, or some combination thereof
@B6RQ8TQ1mo1MO
Increase to what we were spending before Trump got into office. USAID was an integral part to upholding human rights across the globe.
@B6R6GMV1mo1MO
Make it means-tested based on income threshold (poorer countries get more and richer countries get less), eliminate security aid except in times of war or national emergency as defined by the UN, withhold aid from human rights violators, and mandate third-party audits, open-source data, and recipient feedback with escalation protocols for drift or manipulation to make it more transparent.
@B6QPQTP1mo1MO
I think we should increase foreign aid spending, but reallocate the aid we are currently sending. For example, we should aid Palestine instead of Israel.
@B6P24NB1mo1MO
We should increase our foreign aid spending. It is an important tool to help Foster goodwill with other countries that china or Russia would try to undermine.
@B6NNFHW1mo1MO
Increase, but ensure it is directed to citizens who are victims of disaster, not to foreign governments
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