Uzbekistan Loses $2.5 Mln U.S. State Department Grant

Uzbekistan will not receive a planned $2.5 mln grant from the U.S. Department of State intended to support civic engagement, according to a statement from the U.S. Government Effectiveness Department (DOGE).

U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio has cancelled a total of $215 mln in international funding for various overseas projects, with Uzbekistan among the affected countries. The decision also impacts civil society development aid for Kyrgyzstan and funding to promote democratic values in Armenia.

The cancellation of the grants comes amid news of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to slash the State Department’s financial aid budget by nearly 50%. The foreign affairs budget for fiscal year 2026 is now expected to be $28.4 bn, down from a previously projected $54.4 bn.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports on the potential consequences for Uzbekistan following reductions in USAID programs.