The Future of U.S. Foreign Assistance

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) held a live discussion on January 15, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET featuring Representative Ami Bera and the Honorable Ted Yoho, moderated by CNAS CEO Richard Fontaine on “The Future of U.S. Foreign Assistance.”

The discussion explored how U.S. foreign aid and international development policy are evolving—and what that means for American leadership and strategic competition in an increasingly complex global landscape.

For decades, foreign assistance has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy—advancing both our values and strategic interests by promoting human rights, supporting democratic governance, fostering global stability, opening new markets, and countering malign influence from authoritarian powers. U.S. assistance has not only saved lives but strengthened alliances, reinforced American leadership, and helped shape a more secure, resilient, and prosperous world.

Since January 2025 however, sweeping aid cuts have halted critical initiatives for democracy support and economic development to global health, food security, and humanitarian relief, sending shockwaves around the globe. Lifesaving programs are being dismantled, longstanding partnerships are unraveling, and the credibility of U.S. leadership is in question. Proponents of the cuts say that U.S. foreign aid was not aligned with American interests. As we look to the future, critical questions demand attention: What role should foreign assistance play in an era of rising global instability and strategic competition? How can U.S. development policy adapt to political and fiscal constraints at home? And what will it take to ensure that our aid investments continue to advance American values and interests in a rapidly changing world?