Evangelical Concerns Rise Over Proposed Foreign Aid Reductions in Early Trump Administration
As the Trump administration marks its first 100 days, a significant portion of the Evangelical community is voicing apprehension over proposed cuts to foreign assistance. A recent survey highlights these concerns, with a substantial majority of Evangelical Christian voters prioritizing international aid over other pressing issues.
Conducted by the National Latino Evangelical Coalition in collaboration with research firm LSG, the survey gathered responses from over 1,000 Christian likely voters nationwide. The study, which took place from April 8 to 15, reflects a broad spectrum of Evangelical views on the proposed aid reductions.
Findings reveal that 76% of Evangelicals are worried that cutting the foreign aid budget could increase risks for Christians abroad, negatively impact American agriculture, and contribute to global health crises. These fears place foreign assistance at the top of the Evangelicals’ list of concerns, surpassing other moral issues such as immigration and healthcare.
The administration’s plan, which aims to cut roughly 92% of foreign assistance-related grants, has been met with resistance. The proposed cuts, intended to save $60 billion, include reducing around 10,000 USAID and State Department grants and contracts. The administration argues that these cuts will address “waste and abuse” in the agency.
Matthew Soerens from World Relief, an organization involved in refugee resettlement, expressed Evangelicals’ commitment to global dignity and humanitarian aid. He stated, “It’s also why Evangelicals want to see refugees protected from persecution and immigration policies that protect family unity.”
The survey also pointed out domestic concerns, with 72% opposing Medicaid cuts and 71% against reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Meanwhile, the Child Tax Credit gained substantial support for expansion efforts.
On the topic of immigration, a complex picture emerged. While 61% of Evangelicals favored a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants, many still supported deporting individuals with criminal records. Additionally, recent pauses in refugee admissions and reports of wrongful deportations raised concerns among nearly two-thirds of respondents.
Regarding foreign policy, support for some of the administration’s proposals was limited. For instance, only 40% backed cutting aid to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, and a mere 20% approved of lifting tariffs on Russian goods.
Finally, a March open letter from over 100 Christian leaders criticized the aid cuts, emphasizing the trade-off between deficit reduction and critical international assistance as “unacceptable.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
