The U.S. State Department has significantly reduced its travel expenses this year, cutting nearly $100 million from the budget, according to new documents obtained by Fox News Digital. This marks a substantial shift from the Biden administration’s spending during the same period in 2024. The Trump administration’s approach to budget cuts is part of a larger initiative to restructure the department’s operations and enhance efficiency.
From January to September 2024, the State Department spent $306 million on travel, compared to $212 million under President Donald Trump. The cuts were primarily focused on domestic travel, with reductions in conference attendance, site visits, and special mission travel. Overseas travel budgets also saw significant reductions, with spending decreasing from $206 million to $149 million. These cuts reflect the administration’s commitment to real diplomacy and reducing redundant activities.
The budget realignment is part of a broader strategy to address the size and cost of the State Department. In April 2025, the Office of Management and Budget recommended a nearly 50% reduction in the combined budget of the State Department and USAID. This could lead to significant reductions in humanitarian and global health programs, with potential closures or scaling back of U.S. missions abroad. The department has also initiated layoffs of over 1,300 domestic staff as part of these restructuring efforts.
The State Department’s spokesperson, Tommy Piggot, emphasized the administration’s focus on the American taxpayer and the need for efficient operations. He stated, ‘The Trump Administration has consistently been on the side of the American people and the American taxpayer, and these numbers prove that.’ The department’s approach reflects a corporatist political stance, prioritizing cost-cutting and efficiency over expansive international engagements.