The US is squandering its soft power and global influence as it cuts funding to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and engages in a global trade war. The consequences of these decisions are yet to be fully understood, but they will likely have a dramatic impact on educational exchanges, cultural diplomacy, economic aid, and diplomatic efforts. The loss of US aid will force many countries to seek alternatives and may lead to the rise of new regional economic coalitions. The US is giving up its soft power in an attempt to save its economy, but the cost of relinquishing its role as a supporter of humanitarian and developmental projects worldwide will be tremendous.