Majority Of Evangelicals Push Back On Budget Cuts To Global Aid
A recent nationwide survey has revealed that a large majority of Evangelical Christian voters are worried about the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to foreign aid. Conducted in April by the research firm LSG for the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, the survey included over 1,000 Christian likely voters and highlighted that reductions in international assistance were Evangelicals’ top concern during the administration’s first 100 days. Around 76% of self-identified Evangelicals—who typically lean Republican—expressed fear that such budget cuts could worsen persecution for Christians overseas, negatively impact American agriculture, and result in preventable global deaths.
This concern surpassed other moral and political issues like immigration and healthcare, according to the poll. Evangelical leaders have voiced their belief that foreign aid aligns with their values of human dignity and compassion for the vulnerable. They argue that helping others around the world reflects core Christian teachings, especially in protecting persecuted populations such as refugees and religious minorities. Organizations like World Relief emphasized that Christians view all individuals as bearing the image of God, and therefore deserving of support and protection.
In February, controversy emerged when the State Department proposed slashing 92% of its foreign assistance grants, aiming to save approximately $60 billion. The Trump administration defended the move as a means to cut government waste and rein in bureaucratic spending. However, many Evangelical groups condemned the cuts, arguing they would undermine global humanitarian efforts and jeopardize the lives of people in crisis. The potential deportation of Afghan Christian refugees has only intensified these concerns among faith leaders.
Evangelicals also voiced opposition to proposed domestic budget cuts targeting low-income support programs. Most respondents disapproved of reductions to Medicaid and food assistance, and a strong majority favored expanding the Child Tax Credit. On immigration, Evangelical opinion was divided—many supported a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants, while still endorsing deportation for those with criminal records.
Overall, the survey found that fewer than half of Christians surveyed felt the administration’s actions reflected their religious values. In response, over 100 faith leaders signed a public letter during Lent criticizing proposed cuts to international aid. Though the letter did not name the president, it strongly objected to balancing the budget at the expense of vulnerable populations, urging political leaders to remember the moral responsibility to care for the poor and oppressed.