The Trump administration has unveiled its proposed budget for 2026, which aims for significant cuts in federal government spending. Released on a recent Friday by the White House, the budget seeks to decrease non-defense discretionary spending by $163 billion, equivalent to 23 percent of the overall budget. This category encompasses various programs, including education, science, and housing assistance, excluding major entitlements like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which constitute a large portion of federal expenditure.
This budget proposal reflects President Donald Trump's ongoing commitment to reduce spending in areas where his administration has previously attempted cuts, often facing opposition even from fellow Republicans in Congress. Concurrently, the budget outlines a request for $1 trillion in defense spending, marking a 13 percent increase aimed at bolstering national security.
While many of Trump’s previous budget requests have been rejected by Congress, the 2026 proposal signals the administration's priorities and sets the stage for upcoming funding battles. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed changes for key federal agencies:
Agriculture Department2025 Budget: $27.3 billion | 2026 Proposal: $22.3 billion | Change: 18.3%
The Agriculture Department faces cuts of approximately 18 percent. Proposed reductions target programs the administration deems wasteful, particularly those associated with climate change or diversity initiatives. While certain programs face elimination, funding is proposed to increase for the Food Safety Inspection Service and rental assistance grants.
Commerce Department2025 Budget: $10.2 billion | 2026 Proposal: $8.5 billion | Change: 16.5%
The Commerce Department, which plays a vital role in business and economic development, could see its budget slashed by 16.5 percent. Significant cuts will affect the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), eliminating funding for climate-related research and programs.
Defense Department2025 Budget: $848.3 billion | 2026 Proposal: $961.6 billion | Change: 13.4%
The proposed budget for the Defense Department emphasizes an increase in funding, aiming to reach nearly $1 trillion to support national security initiatives, including competition with China. Some critics, however, argue that the budget does not adequately address necessary military capabilities.
Education Department2025 Budget: $78.7 billion | 2026 Proposal: $66.7 billion | Change: 15.3%
The Education Department is looking at a reduction of 15.3 percent, with significant cuts to grant programs that support K-12 education and higher education initiatives, including childcare funding and programs designed to assist low-income students.
Energy Department2025 Budget: $49.8 billion | 2026 Proposal: $45.1 billion | Change: 9.4%
The proposed budget for the Energy Department suggests cuts targeting clean energy programs, including subsidies for electric vehicles and carbon capture technologies. The administration’s focus appears to be on reducing what it calls “Green New Deal” interests.
Environmental Protection Agency2025 Budget: $9.1 billion | 2026 Proposal: $4.2 billion | Change: 54.5%
Proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are staggering, with a nearly 55 percent reduction in funding. This would restrict the agency to its lowest budget since 1986, severely impacting environmental protection initiatives.
Department of Health and Human Services2025 Budget: $127 billion | 2026 Proposal: $93.8 billion | Change: 26.2%
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing a 26 percent budget cut, significantly affecting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which would see their budgets shrink drastically.
Department of Homeland Security2025 Budget: $65.1 billion | 2026 Proposal: $107.4 billion | Change: 64.9%
In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security would receive a substantial increase of $43.8 billion, primarily allocated towards immigration enforcement and infrastructure related to border security.
Department of Housing and Urban Development2025 Budget: $77 billion | 2026 Proposal: $43.5 billion | Change: 43.6%
The proposed budget for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) includes cuts of 43.6 percent, with a focus on shifting responsibilities to state-level programs and reducing funding for diversity initiatives.
Justice Department2025 Budget: $36 billion | 2026 Proposal: $33.2 billion | Change: 7.6%
The Justice Department is set for budget reductions aimed at reallocation towards immigration enforcement and away from programs perceived as promoting liberal agendas, with significant cuts to grants supporting community violence prevention.
NASA2025 Budget: $24.8 billion | 2026 Proposal: $18.8 billion | Change: 24.3%
NASA is projected to face a 24.3 percent cut, with plans to terminate certain moon missions while allocating additional funds towards Mars exploration.
Transportation Department2025 Budget: $25.2 billion | 2026 Proposal: $26.7 billion | Change: 5.8%
The Transportation Department would witness an increase in funding, particularly for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as the administration seeks to enhance air traffic safety and infrastructure development.
Department of Veterans Affairs2025 Budget: $129.2 billion | 2026 Proposal: $134.6 billion | Change: 4.1%
Conversely, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would see a slight increase in funding aimed at improving healthcare access for veterans, although previous cuts to workforce and contracts may still affect operations.
This budget proposal by the Trump administration clearly highlights its fiscal priorities and sets the stage for significant debates in Congress regarding the future of federal funding and program support across various sectors.
