Why does the U.S. federal government provide grants to American Samoa?

The U.S. federal government provides grants to American Samoa primarily to support the territory's economy, as these grants constitute a large portion of its national income.1

Because American Samoa is an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the United States, it operates under a unique constitutional framework where the U.S. government maintains specific responsibilities, including defense. While the local government serves as the main employer and manages its own revenues, the federal grants are essential for sustaining the territory's economic stability and funding public works programs, such as the development of infrastructure like roads and airports. Additionally, the U.S. government has implemented specific programs aimed at helping the territory reach agricultural self-sufficiency.21