The Global Campaign for Education-US (GCE-US) is alarmed at the drastic reduction in development assistance proposed in the short version of President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 Budget Request released earlier today. These reductions will most likely include funding for international basic education programs which make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous – not just today, but for generations to come. 

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Government educated 44 million learners across pre-primary, primary, secondary, vocational, and workforce development programs. That year, international basic education programs were funded at $970 million, which equates to $22 per student per year and 0.02% of our federal budget. 

“International basic education programs are a good investment in America’s future,” said Giulia McPherson, Executive Director of GCE-US. “Access to quality education advances economic prosperity, bolsters peace and security, and positions the U.S. as a global leader."  

Time and again, evidence has shown that doubling the percentage of youth with secondary education can cut the risk of conflict in half and reduces the likelihood of young people supporting political violence by 48% - both of which makes our country, and the world, safer.  

“Supporting international education isn’t just the smart thing to do – it is also required by law,” said McPherson. “We urge Congress to promote quality basic education as mandated by the recently reauthorized Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act and look forward to working with them to develop an impactful fiscal year 2026 budget."