Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
This presidential memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to review all funding provided to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
The administration's policy is to halt funding for any NGOs deemed to undermine US national security, prosperity, or safety.
Future funding decisions will be aligned with US interests and the administration's goals, as determined by agency heads and within applicable legal frameworks.
Arguments For
- Intended benefits: Protecting US national security and interests by preventing funding of NGOs engaged in detrimental activities.
- Evidence cited: Implicit assertion that significant taxpayer dollars fund NGOs undermining US security, prosperity, and safety.
- Implementation methods: Review of all NGO funding by executive departments and agencies, aligning future funding decisions with US interests and Administration priorities.
- Legal/historical basis: The President's inherent authority to direct executive branch agencies and manage federal spending.
Arguments Against
- Potential impacts: Potential for chilling effect on legitimate NGO activities and hindering important humanitarian or development work.
- Implementation challenges: Defining and identifying NGOs engaged in activities detrimental to US interests; potential for bias in funding decisions; potential legal challenges to the policy.
- Alternative approaches: More nuanced approaches to monitoring and evaluating NGO activities; increased transparency and accountability measures; targeted restrictions instead of broad-based cuts.
- Unintended effects: Potential for undermining international partnerships and damaging US diplomatic efforts; potential for increased opposition and backlash from affected NGOs and international organizations.
SUBJECT: Advancing United States Interests When Funding
Nongovernmental Organizations
This section states the subject of the presidential memorandum: how the US government will handle funding of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
The United States Government has provided significant taxpayer dollars to Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), many of which are engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people. It is the policy of my Administration to stop funding NGOs that undermine the national interest.
This section explains the rationale behind the policy.
The government acknowledges providing substantial funds to NGOs, some of which engage in activities considered harmful to US interests.
The administration intends to cease funding these organizations.
I therefore direct the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) to review all funding that agencies provide to NGOs. The heads of agencies shall align future funding decisions with the interests of the United States and with the goals and priorities of my Administration, as expressed in executive actions; as otherwise determined in the judgment of the heads of agencies; and on the basis of applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.
This section contains the presidential directive. Agency heads are instructed to review all NGO funding and make future funding decisions consistent with US interests and the administration's objectives, while adhering to relevant laws and regulations.