A new poll published Wednesday indicates that most Americans believe the United States is overextending financially in its foreign aid commitments. This sentiment comes as Congress has just ratified a new $95 billion aid package for the benefit of Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan while our own borders remain wide open.
Rasmussen Reports’ latest survey reveals that 57% of likely U.S. voters perceive the government’s foreign aid spending as excessive. This sentiment is juxtaposed with only 10% who argue that spending is insufficient and 23% who believe it strikes the right balance. Conducted from April 16 to 18, the poll sampled 1,126 likely voters, bearing a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
57% Say America Spends Too Much on Foreign Aid
Congress has passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, but most voters say the government is spending too much to help other countries.
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— Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) April 24, 2024
The legislative decision to pass the hefty foreign aid bill has been controversial. America First lawmakers and advocates have placed the largest objections to continued unaccountable foreign aid with how it has replaced border security as the GOP establishment’s priority. This week’s bill allocated at least $300 million to Ukrainian border agents and police — who are likely working to keep deserters and potential conscripts inside the country — even as funding for U.S. southern border measures was completely absent.
Analysis shows a clear partisan divide in attitudes toward foreign aid, especially concerning Ukraine. While support for funding Israel remains relatively high, the disbursement of $61 billion to Ukraine has been particularly contentious among Republicans. According to Rasmussen, 47% of Americans consider the latest financial support to Ukraine as excessive.
The conservative critique often points to such substantial foreign engagements’ moral and economic implications. Critics argue that foreign aid represents a transfer of wealth from poorer citizens in a wealthy country to the elite in poorer countries. This perspective challenges the justification of using taxpayer dollars for foreign conflicts when they could instead support domestic needs or reduce the national debt.
During the 2012 Republican presidential primary season, former Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) said, “Foreign aid is taking money from the poor people of a rich country and giving it to the rich people of a poor country.” After decades of foreign adventuring during the 21st century, and especially with regard to Ukraine, most Americans now agree.
