Peace Corps Prepares For Trump Cuts
The Peace Corps is facing a dramatic shake-up as the Trump administration doubles down on slashing government waste and putting American priorities first. Staffers at the agency are bracing for widespread layoffs and restructuring as part of a larger effort to trim federal spending and eliminate inefficiencies in Washington.
Sources confirm that President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun evaluating the agency’s nearly 800-person headquarters — with projected staff reductions ranging from 50% to a staggering 80%. Buyouts have already been offered as leadership prepares for a leaner, more efficient future.
Abroad, cuts could affect up to 25% of the fewer than 200 Peace Corps staffers stationed in 60 countries. Some locations may close entirely — a move critics say will “gut the agency.” But supporters of Trump’s plan say it’s a necessary step in reining in bloated foreign aid and keeping hard-earned taxpayer dollars at home.
With a current budget of approximately $430 million — paid for by American taxpayers — the Peace Corps is a drop in the federal bucket. Still, every dollar counts. As the national debt climbs and the global threat landscape changes, conservatives argue it’s time to stop funding programs that don’t deliver direct results for Americans.
The agency, created under President Kennedy in 1961, has long promoted goodwill by sending American volunteers abroad to teach, assist with healthcare, support agriculture, and help develop struggling regions. But in today’s world, where countries like China and Iran actively undermine U.S. influence, critics question the effectiveness — and cost — of such “soft power” efforts.
Some Democrats, including Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), are up in arms. A former volunteer himself, Garamendi claims the cuts could cripple the Peace Corps. He’s pushing for more spending — not less — even as U.S. seniors, veterans, and border communities go underfunded.
Others, like Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), accuse President Trump of damaging America’s image abroad. But many conservatives say that after decades of failed globalist policies, it’s time Washington starts thinking about the folks back home — not foreign handouts.
“This isn’t about destroying programs — it’s about accountability,” said one Trump official. “We’re making sure every tax dollar is used wisely. That includes foreign programs that need to prove their value.”
Allison Greene, recently promoted by the Trump administration to serve as interim Peace Corps CEO, sent a calming message to volunteers assuring them the agency remains “fully operational.” But insiders admit the future is uncertain, especially for incoming applicants.
The most drastic changes include:
- A 70% cut to recruiting and placement staff — slowing down the pipeline of new volunteers.
- An 80% reduction in the health and training departments — previously funded through broader government initiatives on HIV and global health.
- The merging of key departments to streamline functions and reduce payroll.
Critics call this “devastating.” But supporters call it common sense. “We’ve been subsidizing programs overseas while ignoring the needs of our own citizens,” said one Trump ally. “Enough is enough.”
Peace Corps numbers had already plummeted after COVID-19 forced the evacuation of all volunteers in 2020. While the agency has started to rebound, it’s still operating at just 50% of its pre-pandemic capacity.
Even so, Democrats continue to call for expanding it. “We should have 7,000 volunteers,” Garamendi said, “not 3,000.” But many Americans disagree — especially seniors and working families who see skyrocketing prices, crime, and a nation in need of repair.
Trump’s America First approach reminds voters where priorities belong: right here at home. By eliminating bloated foreign programs and bureaucratic waste, this administration is making good on its promise to put the American taxpayer first — not last.
