Introduction

One year after the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was ordered shut down by the Trump administration, a fresh poll commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation reveals that Americans remain firmly supportive of foreign development aid. The survey, conducted in mid‑June 2026, asked a representative sample of 2,022 voters about their knowledge of U.S. foreign assistance and its role in disaster relief, disease prevention, and security.

Poll Findings

When participants were first asked about foreign aid, only 54% expressed support. After the pollsters explained that overseas assistance makes up just about 1% of the annual U.S. budget—far less than many respondents had assumed—the backing rose dramatically to 70%. Overall, 78% of all respondents favored maintaining or expanding aid outlays. Notably, Republican support climbed to 58%, and even strong MAGA voters, who initially were the most skeptical, showed a 27‑point swing to 50% in favor of aid.

The survey also highlighted specific program awareness. When voters learned that U.S. funding helps combat Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, support for that initiative jumped to 62% among Republicans and 52% among MAGA respondents. Similar increases were seen for disease prevention, disaster response, and peacekeeping missions.

Implications

These results suggest a broad public consensus that foreign aid is a vital instrument of humanitarian and security policy. The data directly counters narratives that portray aid as wasteful spending, underscoring that Americans recognize its modest cost and significant benefits. The poll’s timing is critical, as recent data from The Lancet warns that cuts to aid could result in millions of additional deaths by 2030. Restoring and strengthening funding could therefore prevent severe health crises and bolster global stability.

Politically, the findings give lawmakers a clear mandate. The sharp increase in support across party lines indicates that bipartisan backing for reinstating USAID or similar programs is feasible. Such momentum could influence budget negotiations and shape future foreign policy priorities, especially as the nation faces ongoing challenges such as pandemic preparedness and climate‑related disasters.

Conclusion

The June 2026 poll illustrates that, despite the temporary shutdown of USAID, the American public continues to value international assistance. With overwhelming evidence that aid comprises a tiny fraction of the federal budget yet delivers outsized humanitarian outcomes, policymakers have a strong public mandate to restore and expand these programs. Continued education about the true scale and impact of foreign aid appears to be a key driver of public opinion, reinforcing the need for transparent communication and sustained investment in global development.