President Donald Trump on Friday directed the heads of all federal agencies to review the taxpayer dollars they spend on non-governmental organizations, known as NGOs.
In a memorandum, Trump said “significant taxpayer dollars” are given to NGOs, “many of which are engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people. It is the policy of my Administration to stop funding NGOs that undermine the national interest.”
The Trump administration, through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, has been slashing what he said is wasteful government spending. The cuts include scaling back the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which had a budget of about $32 billion in 2024, offering buyouts to federal employees and more.
Because of Trump’s concerns about NGO funding, his memorandum directs department heads to align the funding with his administration’s priorities.
“The heads of agencies shall align future funding decisions with the interests of the United States and with the goals and priorities of my Administration, as expressed in executive actions; as otherwise determined in the judgment of the heads of agencies; and on the basis of applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms,” it states.
