The United States spent approximately $60 billion on foreign aid in the most recent fiscal year, making it the largest donor nation in the world in absolute terms (though 22nd as a share of GDP behind most European allies). Congress has debated reducing or eliminating this spending multiple times in recent years, making it worth examining precisely what the US receives in return.
The largest single component β military and security assistance ($22 billion) β is arguably the most straightforward in its return. Weapons, training, and equipment provided to allies and partners reduce the security burden the US military would otherwise bear directly. The $8.6 billion provided to Israel in 2024 maintains a capable regional partner that requires no American troops. The $14 billion to Ukraine has helped blunt Russian aggression without a single American soldier in combat.
Economic and development assistance ($18 billion) has a more complex calculus. USAID programs in sub-Saharan Africa have contributed to dramatic reductions in child mortality, malaria deaths, and HIV transmission β humanitarian achievements, but also investments in stability that reduce future refugee crises and failed-state environments that breed terrorism.
Global health programs ($12 billion) including PEPFAR β which has provided HIV treatment to 20 million people globally β are perhaps the clearest case for US interests. They generate enormous goodwill, build US soft power, and prevent the spread of diseases that do not respect national borders.
