Trump Administration Targets International Media, Libraries, and Homelessness Reduction with Federal Funding Cuts
President Donald Trump has initiated a new round of federal budget cuts, impacting several agencies, including an international media organization, public libraries, and initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness. An executive order signed on Friday, March 14, outlines significant funding reductions for seven federal entities, prompting criticism and concern from various organizations.
The agencies affected by the order include the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and the Minority Business Development Agency.
The American Library Association (ALA) swiftly responded to the executive order, issuing a statement expressing strong disapproval. The ALA urged President Trump to reconsider what it described as a "short-sighted decision," highlighting the detrimental impact of eliminating the sole federal agency dedicated to funding library services. The association emphasized that the cuts would cripple essential services offered by libraries, including summer reading programs for children, braille books for visually impaired readers, and support for small business entrepreneurs.
The Trump administration has justified these cuts by deeming the selected agencies "unnecessary," according to the executive order. However, when contacted by USA TODAY for comment, the administration did not provide an immediate response.
Each of the targeted agencies plays a distinct role in serving the public and addressing specific needs.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, established in 1947, provides conflict management services to enhance labor-management relations. This independent federal agency offers training, mediation, facilitation, dispute systems design, and other resolution services to federal agencies. Its work is essential in resolving disputes and fostering collaboration between agencies and unions.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media, created in 1994, oversees all U.S. non-military international broadcasting. The agency operates six networks: Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and the Open Technology Fund. These networks provide news and information in 64 languages to over 427 million people worldwide, according to the agency’s website.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, stating that "American taxpayers should not be funding anti-American propaganda in the name of journalism." This statement suggests that the administration views the agency’s broadcasting as biased or misrepresenting American values.
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, established in 1968, serves as a nonpartisan research institution that provides counsel on global affairs to policymakers internationally. The center operates more than 20 programs that aim to bridge the gap between the U.S. and other countries and specialize in various topics to address global issues. It also hosts numerous events throughout the year to educate citizens about global history and provide spaces for communal discussion.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, created in 1996, supports museums, libraries, archives, and similar organizations throughout the United States through grants, research, and policy development. During the 2024 fiscal year, the institute was budgeted over $294 million, and it awarded $266.7 million to museums, libraries, and archives across the country.
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, established in 1987, coordinates a federal response to homelessness by working to create partnerships with government agencies and the private sector. The council collaborates with 19 federal organizations, including the Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and Department of Labor, to end homelessness.
The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, part of the U.S. Department of Treasury and established in 1994, promotes economic revitalization and community development in underserved communities throughout the country. The fund provides loans, investments, financial services, and technical assistance to institutions in these communities.
The Minority Business Development Agency, founded in 1969, aims to promote growth among Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) by providing technical assistance programs. An MBE is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned or managed by a qualifying minority group, which includes U.S. residents who are Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American. During the 2023 fiscal year, the agency facilitated $1.5 billion worth of capital to MBEs and helped create 19,000 jobs.
The Trump administration’s decision to cut funding to these agencies has drawn criticism from various stakeholders who argue that these cuts will have a detrimental impact on the services provided to the public, particularly to vulnerable populations. The American Library Association has raised concerns about the impact on literacy programs, access to information, and support for small businesses. Advocates for the homeless have expressed worries about the potential setback in efforts to address homelessness. The cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media have also raised questions about the administration’s commitment to promoting freedom of information and countering disinformation globally.
The full impact of these funding cuts remains to be seen, but they are likely to have significant consequences for the agencies involved and the communities they serve. The cuts reflect the Trump administration’s priorities and its approach to government spending, which prioritizes certain areas while reducing funding for others. The debate over these cuts is likely to continue as stakeholders advocate for the importance of the services provided by the affected agencies.
