President Donald Trump and his administration are right to reexamine our foreign-aid programs and the goals they serve. However, as the president himself
, this does not mean a total retreat of American international engagement. Instead, it means we must be discerning in our investments, narrowing in on programs that strengthen our economy and enhance our national security.
Minnesota, a critical player in the U.S. economy, understands this as well as any state. Our farmers, manufacturers, and businesses rely on global trade networks to thrive. And the stability of these networks — and, by extension, our economic wellbeing — depends on strong U.S. foreign-aid programs.
At the same time, we must ensure every American tax dollar is spent wisely. Cutting waste, fraud, and abuse should be a top priority in all federal programs — foreign aid included. Taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability, with clear insight into where their money is going and how it is being used. By eliminating inefficiencies and streamlining operations, we can make sure our foreign-aid investments are delivering real results, both for recipients abroad and the American people here at home.
When we support key markets overseas, we increase demand for American-made products. For Minnesota’s farmers and manufacturers, foreign-aid programs that stabilize and strengthen developing economies boost international demand for their exports.
Around
of U.S. organizations holding contracts with U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, are based in the U.S., including Minnesota-based businesses like
and the
Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
. These organizations depend on foreign-aid funding to deliver essential health and development services abroad, while creating jobs and fostering economic activity here at home.
From our world-renowned agricultural products like corn, soybeans, and dairy to our cutting-edge tech and manufacturing sectors, the health of Minnesota’s economy is undeniably connected to international markets. President Trump’s precision cuts to foreign-aid programs are a step toward trimming waste, fraud, and abuse, helping ensure these vital investments are targeted, effective, and truly serve the interests of the American people.
We must also recognize that our competitors, especially China, are eager to step into the vacuum we might leave behind. Over the past 15 years, China’s economic-development spending
525%, allowing Beijing to gain significant influence in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If the U.S. reduces its global presence, these regions will turn to China and Russia for trade, infrastructure development, and financial aid.
Freedom is rapidly declining across the globe, with only
of the world’s population now living in countries considered “free.” While our military is the strongest in the world, we must remember the precision strategy needed to ensure a stable, prosperous, America-first world order — the combination of military might and soft power diplomacy.
A global network of assistance is more than a means of boosting trade; it’s a key factor in ensuring Minnesota’s exports continue to reach new and expanding markets. In 2024, Minnesota exported
in goods, directly supporting about
, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
When used with precision, foreign aid is a powerful tool. By continuing to invest in certain key programs, we’re protecting jobs here at home, ensuring that Minnesota’s agricultural and industrial sectors remain competitive and reinforcing the United States’ global preeminence.
Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, represents District 22, and Mark Koran, R-North Branch, represents District 28 in the Minnesota Senate. They wrote this exclusively for the News Tribune.
Sen. Rich Draheim
John McLean