What Americans think about foreign assistance

In the past weeks, U.S. foreign assistance—amounting to less than 1% of the federal budget—has been roiled by confusion. Funding was frozen with minimal guidance on possible exemptions, employees were barred from their offices and withdrawn from overseas missions, and a stop-work order brought most activities to a halt. Then on Feb. 7, a temporary federal court ruling reinstated employees through Feb. 14, adding to the uncertainty about the future of foreign aid.

Amid these events, it is vital for policymakers to understand what the American people think about their foreign aid programs. According to a new public survey fielded Feb. 6-7 by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland, there is strong public support for foreign assistance. 89% of Americans say the U.S. should invest at least 1% of its federal budget in foreign assistance. The survey also finds majorities support continuing or increasing funding for various programs, ranging from humanitarian relief and economic development to global health and education.

To discuss the survey results—and their implications for U.S. policy—the Brookings Center for Sustainable Development will host an online event on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The program will feature a presentation of the findings by Steven Kull, director of the Program for Public Consultation, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts on foreign assistance.

Audience members can submit questions by emailing [email protected] or by using the hashtag #USForeignAid on X or Bluesky.