A document sent to Congress reveals the Trump administration's plans to shift US$1.8 billion (A$2.72 billion) in foreign aid funding towards “America First”, including pursuing investments in Greenland and countering “Marxist, anti-American regimes” in Latin America.
"The national security interests of the United States require that the United States utilise these foreign assistance funds to meet new challenges in ways that make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous," according to the Congressional Notification reviewed by Reuters.
The Washington Post first reported on the administration's funding programs previously authorised by Congress.
President Donald Trump has been continually pursuing a massive overhaul of foreign resistance since he started his second term in January.
The strategy is a departure from the long-held assumption that food, medical and economic assistance is an important "soft power" component of U.S. global influence.
The document dated 12 September by the Trump administration said the $1.8 billion would be obligated for programs to “strengthen U.S. global leadership” to focus on several areas central to the Trump administration.
This includes diversifying critical mineral supply chains, promoting strategic infrastructure investment and development, countering China’s influence and "addressing the immigration crisis."
In the document, there is also US$400 million to support efforts involving Europe, like energy and critical minerals programming in Ukraine and economic development and conservation work in Greenland.
Trump has said he wants to take control of Greenland due to the island's strategic location which is rich in oil, natural gas and many minerals needed for high-tech industries.
This also comes as the Trump administration has dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by freezing and then slashing billions of dollars in foreign aid.
The administration said it wants to ensure taxpayer money only goes to programs aligned with Trump’s “America First” policies.
