The perception of US foreign aid is shrouded in misconception. Many Americans believe it consumes a significant portion of the federal budget, but the reality is far from it. In fact, aid accounts for less than 1% of government spending.
This lack of understanding is rooted in misconceptions about how aid is distributed. Most aid flows through reputable NGOs and multilateral institutions, not corrupt officials in distant capitals. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that US assistance has significantly reduced hunger, disease, and premature death globally.
The widespread ignorance behind US foreign aid is evident in the public’s support for President Trump’s decision to freeze assistance programs. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency also targeted USAID, which distributes a significant portion of American aid, as it is the most prominent disburser. This freeze and potential cuts may undermine America’s soft power and global influence, highlighting the need to educate the public about the true impact of US foreign aid.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-03-14/how-trump-and-musk-could-cause-the-us-to-lose-its-soft-power