WASHINGTON — The Trump administration significantly reduced foreign aid funding last year, with newly available data revealing deep cuts to programs that once enjoyed bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, as well as a drastic reduction in U.S. economic aid to Africa.

The administration initially sought and secured party-line approval from a Republican-controlled Congress for some spending cancellations, then proceeded with further unilateral rescissions without providing lawmakers time to object to specific programs. White House budget director Russell T. Vought testified to the Senate Appropriations Committee last year that the cuts targeted what he described as "benevolent-sounding" foreign aid programs that hid "truly appalling activity" not aligned with American interests.

Economic and development assistance funding was particularly affected, with $4.2 billion of the $7.8 billion lawmakers had approved ultimately canceled. Out of 104 specific directives for the State Department and other foreign aid initiatives, only two remained intact.

Among the programs severely impacted, a U.S. government initiative supporting Pacific island nations in countering China saw its budget cut by $92 million, more than half of its allocation. Funding aimed at preventing and responding to atrocities committed by Myanmar's military junta was entirely eliminated. A senior administration official stated that the terminated funding for Pacific nations had been used for "radical climate" projects, not for countering Beijing's influence. The official also labeled grants for Myanmar to pro-democracy nonprofit Freedom House and nonprofit news organization Internews Network as going to "radical leftist NGOs." Internews Network had faced scrutiny for a guide encouraging Spanish-language journalists to adopt practices endorsed by transgender activists. Mr. Vought broadly characterized economic assistance funds as having been used to finance "radical gender and climate projects."

Africa was disproportionately affected, losing nearly 90 percent of its U.S. economic aid. Lawmakers had approved $1.5 billion for economic and development aid programs in Africa, but only $186 million was ultimately disbursed.

Some funding was preserved, however. Approximately half of the funding that remained — $2.4 billion — was allocated to Jordan, following efforts by Republican senators to shield aid for the Middle Eastern ally. Aid to Venezuela and Cuba was largely maintained. Funding for programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia also fared better, with $712 million of $770 million preserved, partly due to several Republican members' determination to protect aid for Ukraine. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, for instance, indicated he had received assurances that Ukraine aid would not be cut.

Opponents of the cuts, including members from both parties, urged the administration to redirect funds from recipients it deemed problematic rather than terminate entire programs. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, acknowledged that some projects, such as promoting vegan food in Zambia, might be questionable. However, she argued these were products of the previous administration's priorities and should not justify sweeping rescissions.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a long-time champion of aid to Myanmar and the Rohingya people, expressed concern that the cuts undermined U.S. influence, allowing China to gain an advantage. He later successfully pushed to reinsert $121 million for Myanmar programs, though not the funds already canceled.

Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, warned that by approving the administration's package, lawmakers had "no earthly idea what specific cuts would occur," leading to deeper cuts in other areas when certain priorities were protected. She advocated for lawmakers to craft their own spending reduction package to maintain transparency regarding affected programs.