Trump's 2026 Budget Seeks Major Spending Cuts

Former President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal includes a $163 billion cut to non-defense discretionary spending (a 22.6% reduction), with significant reductions to the Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and State Department. The plan also eliminates diversity and climate initiatives, replaces federal rental assistance with state-based grants, and extends tax breaks for the wealthy while increasing tariffs. Defense spending would rise by 13% to over $1 trillion, and homeland security funding would increase by 65%, with $175 billion allocated to border security. Supporters, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, say the budget demonstrates fiscal discipline and strengthens national security. Critics, including Democrats and some Republicans, argue the cuts would harm working families and essential services. The nonbinding proposal sets the stage for upcoming Republican-led spending bills and highlights sharp partisan divides over fiscal priorities.