What we learned was clear: The American public rejects Trump’s extreme cuts to lifesaving and development aid. More specifically:

• 2 out of 3 Americans, including nearly half of Republicans, do not support the 85% cut to U.S. aid programs enacted by Secretary of State Rubio and the Trump Administration in March - cuts that have been formalized in the President's FY26 budget proposal and reflected in the $8 billion cuts included in the foreign aid rescissions package.
• When asked how much would be appropriate for the U.S. to invest in foreign aid, more than 95% of respondents identified an amount higher than the administration’s current budget.
• More than 3 in 4 Americans signaled support for food assistance, water + sanitation, and disaster + medical relief programs.
• Finally, Americans want to make their voices heard on this issue: 40% of polling respondents indicated that they would attend a town hall with elected officials.

The detail that follows dives deeper into the popular perceptions of foreign aid—beginning with widespread opposition to drastic aid reductions.

2 out of 3 Americans do not support the Trump administration’s 85% cuts to aid programs. 95% of polling respondents think the U.S. should spend more on aid.

Here's what extreme and devastating cuts to lifesaving and development aid would really mean for people living through crisis: More hunger, less access to clean water, devastating impacts from disasters, and a weakened United States on the global stage. A new study estimates that USAID saved 92 million lives from 2001 to 2021, and that dismantling it could kill 14 million people over the next five years.

The Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to slash aid spending are putting human lives and years of progress at risk. And according to new polling from Oxfam America, massive cuts to aid are deeply unpopular with Americans across the political spectrum. While the administration has argued it had a mandate for its drastic measures, our findings paint a far different picture: Americans support aid that saves lives and builds a better world, and they're increasingly skeptical of indiscriminate, fact-free cuts.

The Public Rejects Extreme Cuts

The Trump Administration’s devastating cancellation of 85% of U.S. aid programs is simply not supported by the majority of Americans. Our polling shows that:

• 2 out of 3 Americans do not support the Trump administration’s cuts, including nearly half of Republicans.
• When asked how much would be appropriate for the U.S. to invest in aid, more than 95% of respondents identified an amount more than the funding allocated in the administration’s budget.

This isn't a partisan position. Among Republicans and Independents, there is support for the importance of continued aid funding. In fact, there has been a significant shift in sentiment: Among respondents who in February supported some level of cuts to aid, based on fact, 25% have changed their opinion and now support increasing aid. As more information and stories on the human cost of cuts come to light, more Americans are questioning the wisdom of an ill-conceived slash-and-burn approach to cutting lifesaving programs.

What Americans Do Want: Lifesaving Aid and Smart Investments

So, what do Americans want from aid?

They want lifesaving aid and disaster relief, food assistance and clean water, and medical assistance. The idea of lifesaving aid is supported across all political affiliations, with at least 77% of Americans agreeing on the importance and human impact of such assistance. Americans strongly support: food assistance, water and sanitation, disaster and medical relief. Each of these programs enjoyed support from more than 3 in 4 respondents.

While the impact for those receiving aid is well understood, the public also understands its benefits to the United States as well. When asked about the benefits of aid to the U.S., respondents showed broad agreement that aid increases global stability, advances democracy, and promotes U.S. economic interests. Specifically, foreign aid "benefits farmers and the U.S. agricultural sector by increasing demand for agriculture", with more than 84% of respondents agreeing across the political spectrum, including 76% of Republicans.

It's Time for Leaders to Listen

The data is clear: the American public is not in favor of wholesale cuts to aid. There is no mandate. The reductions are extreme measures, far outside the mainstream of American values or history of the United States. Instead of reckless cuts, the public wants to see effective, life-saving programs continue – such as food aid, clean water, medical assistance, and support for women, children, and families.

This is an issue that matters to the U.S. public. 40% of respondents, including 1 in 3 Republicans, indicated they would attend town hall meetings with elected officials because of proposed foreign aid cuts. People want their voices to be heard, and it is essential that leaders listen.

Call on your Senators and Representatives today and tell them to oppose President's Trump's recissions package and ensure continued robust foreign assistance in the FY26 appropriations process. Together, we can support effective foreign aid and oppose dangerous, uninformed, and extreme cuts that will hurt the United States as well as those who need lifesaving assistance most. Sign the petition to protect humanitarian aid here.