White House Seeks $9.4B Cuts to Aid, Media

The White House has requested Congress rescind $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, targeting foreign aid, public broadcasting (including NPR and PBS), and programs for LGBTQ+ initiatives, climate change, and global health. The proposal, supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is presented as a move toward fiscal responsibility and a response to perceived liberal bias in public media. Major cuts include $8.3 billion from the State Department and USAID and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Critics, including public media executives and humanitarian organizations, warn the rescissions could devastate local media and harm vulnerable communities worldwide. The Congressional Budget Office and independent analysts note the cuts represent just 0.1% of annual federal spending and will not significantly reduce the national debt. Additional rescission packages may be proposed if Congress approves this initial request.