Home Is Where the Impact Is: The Importance of Local Advocacy
Global connections, local impact. If international exchange programs had a slogan, I’d say this phrase would be high on the list of contenders.
President’s FY26 budget proposes to essentially eliminate State Department exchange programs
By Mark Overmann We expected it, but it’s still deeply disappointing to see. The President’s FY26 budget proposal would essentially eliminate State Department international exchange programs. Released earlier today, this FY26 “skinny” budget proposes to cut State...Lessons Learned: The First 100 Days of the Second Trump Administration
International exchange programs make America “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” This has been an Alliance refrain since Secretary of State Marco Rubio first coined the phrase during his Senate confirmation hearing on January 15. It has fueled our advocacy over the past 100 days as we’ve worked to thaw a funding freeze, navigated Executive Orders and leaked memos impacting exchanges, prepared for expected proposed cuts to ECA funding, and so much more.
Read on for four lessons from the past 100 days that we at the Alliance are reflecting on to inform our advocacy efforts going forward.
Exchanges Aren’t Going Anywhere: Leaked State Department Memo and What It Means for Exchanges
On Monday, April 14, The Washington Post broke the news that a leaked internal Administration memo proposed cutting the State Department by 48% and eliminating the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and its exchange programs. While the memo is concerning and must be taken seriously, context is key: the memo is a proposal of a potential proposal and doesn’t mean the imminent elimination of ECA and exchange programs.
Moving forward as a community
The country has cast its votes and, as I write this, I find myself focused on two things. We know the value of our programs, the value of engaging across cultures and borders. We know that exchanges bring resources to U.S. communities large and small; that they create and empower leaders in the U.S. and around the world; and that they break down stereotypes that lead to a more inclusive world. I know that the international exchange community will continue doing its important work every single day.