Trump Plans $163 Billion Cuts to Education, Research, Health Care

The Trump administration's proposed fiscal 2026 budget seeks deep cuts across a range of non-defense federal programs, slashing $163 billion or 22.6% from areas including health care, education, scientific research, and social assistance. Major agencies facing reductions include the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Education, with programs supporting student aid, cancer research, and heating assistance for low-income Americans among those targeted for elimination or significant downsizing. While NASA and Veterans Affairs are exempted, the proposal also ends funding for renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure while boosting fossil fuel and nuclear power research. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, warn the cuts would undermine vital family support, scientific innovation, and public health, while the administration defends the measures as necessary to reduce government size and refocus priorities. Defense spending, by contrast, would see a substantial increase, topping $1 trillion. The budget blueprint is seen as a starting point for negotiations, with many specifics and final decisions left to Congress.