Trump Cuts $9 Billion In Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting Funds Despite Democratic Opposition

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a bill to rescind close to $9 billion in federal funding previously approved for public broadcasting and foreign aid, after Trump's request to claw back the funds was approved by Republicans in the House and the Senate this month.

The bulk of the spending cuts is for foreign assistance programmes. About $1.1 billion was destined for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR and PBS, though most of that money is distributed to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations around the country.

Some Republicans were uncomfortable with the cuts but supported them rather than cross Trump or his agenda. Democrats unanimously opposed the cuts but were powerless to stop them.

Also Thursday, Trump visited the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington a week after indicating that Fed chair Jerome Powell's handling of an extensive renovation project on two Fed buildings could be grounds for firing.

"Mike would make an unbelievable Senator from North Carolina," the president posted on his Truth Social platform Thursday night.

"So, should Michael Whatley run for the Senate, please let this notification represent my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump added.

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