OPINION:
In November, the American people chose a path toward a stronger and more secure nation, driven by a leadership vision focused on safeguarding and promoting American interests.
In today’s world — marked by escalating global threats, economic uncertainties, food shortages and the spread of disease — our strength and leadership have never been more crucial. Now is the time to stand firm and ensure a prosperous future for our nation.
Having spent 34 years on active duty alongside the brave members of the U.S. military, I understand deeply the importance of leading and establishing “peace through strength” and strategically investing in our global alliances.
The decisions we make today will determine American stability tomorrow.
Maintaining our role as the world’s superpower is essential for protecting our people and sustaining a strong U.S. economy. The link between international assistance and national strength is clear: Scaling back on aid potentially weakens our global credibility and national security.
Without strategic investments, we risk losing valuable economic opportunities. For instance, we could lose an estimated $3.34 billion in direct economic benefits if we cut foreign assistance programs. These programs advance U.S. national security and promote American industries, such as agriculture. American farmers stand to lose nearly $2.1 billion annually if the federal government ceases purchasing crops to fulfill global aid needs.
Our adversaries China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are ready to take advantage of any retreat by the United States. In countries such as Cambodia and Nepal, China is filling the gaps left by our absence, putting our strategic position at risk. Over the past 15 years, Chinese development initiatives have exploded by 525%, spreading their global influence to vulnerable regions. In Syria alone, 900,000 people have been left without critical American support, leaving them vulnerable to terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Reducing foreign aid investments also weakens our ability to combat global health threats. The United States has stopped monitoring bird flu in 49 countries. The disease is spreading rapidly, and American farmers have had to kill more than 35 million birds in response to bird flu just this year. We must address these global issues well before they reach our shores.
Less than 1% of the federal budget is required to sustain these critical international aid programs. This is not just funneling out American resources; rather, it’s a smart investment.
The work done during President Trump’s first term, including the creation of Prosper Africa, the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. and the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, must continue. These initiatives have helped build stronger, more resilient communities and demonstrated the return on investment targeted foreign aid can provide.
A strong America means a stronger world.
I learned this firsthand in the military, as did my fellow airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines and space guardians. It’s a principle recognized by those around the globe who rely on our support. Maintaining a strong and dedicated global presence protects our way of life and deters conflict while lifting countless people out of horrific conditions.
Sensible investments in U.S. international assistance have stimulated economic growth, limited extremism, contained deadly diseases and promoted global resilience. Mr. Trump’s efforts to root out bad actors and those taking advantage of America’s compassion for their own means are timely and essential. Therefore, I support the administration’s high-level review of U.S. foreign assistance and, in turn, efforts to stop those taking advantage of America’s compassion or those who are unfortunately exploiting these funds for activities that are against our national interests. This review should also provide the opportunity to identify and highlight organizations that consistently deliver life-sustaining and lifesaving programs in the U.S. and abroad to support U.S. interests.
Protecting these programs is an essential way to put all Americans first.
• Richard Y. Newton III is a retired Air Force lieutenant general and former USAF assistant vice chief of staff. He served 34 years on active duty.
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