President Donald Trump has implemented further federal budget cuts, this time focusing on an international media organization, public libraries, and efforts to reduce homelessness. A recent executive order signed by the president on Friday, March 14, reduces funding to seven federal agencies: the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, U.S. Agency for Global Media, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, Institute of Museum and Library Services, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and Minority Business Development Agency. In response to the order, the American Library Association issued a statement urging the president to reconsider his decision, calling it short-sighted. The statement emphasized the vital role that libraries play in communities, offering services such as summer reading programs, braille books, and support for small businesses.
The executive order cited these agencies as “unnecessary,” with a White House Fact Sheet explaining that the Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk, identified them as targets for budget cuts. The administration believes that eliminating these entities will lead to cost savings, reduce government spending, and streamline priorities. When contacted by USA TODAY, the Trump administration did not provide immediate comment on the order.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, established in 1947, provides conflict management services to improve labor-management relationships, offering training, mediation, facilitation, and dispute resolution services to federal agencies. The agency steps in to assist when parties have negotiated but struggle to reach a mutual decision.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media is responsible for overseeing non-military international broadcasting, managing six networks that include Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. These networks deliver news in 64 languages to over 427 million people worldwide. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the budget cut reflects President Trump’s commitment to improving government efficiency and ensuring that taxpayer funds are not supporting what is perceived as anti-American propaganda disguised as journalism.
Global Media, originally known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, was founded by President Bill Clinton in 1994. In 2018, the agency underwent a name change, as stated on its website.
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, located within the Smithsonian Institution, is commonly referred to as the Wilson Center. Established in 1968 to honor President Woodrow Wilson, the center conducts research and offers nonpartisan guidance on global affairs to policymakers worldwide. With over 20 programs, the Wilson Center strives to bridge gaps between the U.S. and other nations, focusing on various global issues. The center hosts numerous events throughout the year to educate the public on global history and foster communal discussions.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, founded in 1996, supports museums, libraries, archives, and similar organizations in the United States through grants, research, and policy development. In the 2024 fiscal year, the institute was allocated over $294 million, with $266.7 million awarded to museums, libraries, and archives nationwide.
Established in 1987 by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness collaborates with 19 federal agencies to address homelessness through partnerships in the public and private sectors. The council’s efforts aim to end homelessness by working with entities such as the Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and Department of Labor.
The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, a part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, was created in 1994 to promote economic revitalization and community development in underserved areas across the country. The fund’s programs, such as the Community Development Financial Institutions Program, provide financial services, investments, and technical assistance to institutions in these communities.
The Minority Business Development Agency supports Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) by offering technical assistance programs to foster their growth. An MBE is a for-profit business majority-owned or managed by individuals from qualifying minority groups, including Asian-Indians, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American individuals. In the 2023 fiscal year, the agency facilitated $1.5 billion in capital to MBEs and aided in creating 19,000 jobs.
The Minority Business Development Agency was established in 1969 through the creation of the Office of Minority Business Enterprise by President Richard Nixon. Greta Cross is a journalist gaining national attention at USA TODAY. Stay updated by following her on Twitter and Instagram @gretalcross. Have a story idea? Contact her at gcross@usatoday.com. This article was first published on USA TODAY: Trump’s executive order reduces funding for 7 federal agencies.
