Donald Trump has provided a detailed budget proposal blueprint for fiscal year 2026. This plan is better known as a “skinny budget.” The CEO proposal is a serious $163 billion cut to federal spending overall, including deep cuts to non-defense spending. The plan would increase defense spending 13% above 2025 levels enacted into law. Critics are right to be alarmed at the prospect of such an increase, and its likely effects on fundamental social programs.
Trump’s proposed budget would wipe out just over one-fifth of non-military, non-mandatory spending. This cut in non-defense spending is expected to be around 23%, about that the lowest level since 2017. Alongside these cuts, Trump’s budget plan aims to boost homeland security funding by nearly 65% in comparison to 2025 levels.
Though released with the budget proposal, while the White House was introducing this budget Trump himself issued an Executive Order last night. This decision triggered even more outrage. Critics condemn this order as illegal and unconstitutional. Second, they say that it threatens the very public broadcasters that bring vital, educational programming to the American public. This order, in particular, goes after funding for public broadcasting—with Trump pointing to “bias” in their reporting.
“The President’s blatantly unlawful Executive Order… threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50-plus years.” – Paula Kerger
The White House’s proposal and executive order have already sparked blistering condemnations from former allies across the aisle. We were ecstatic when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senators Ron Wyden, Edward J. Markey, and Elizabeth Warren released their joint statement. They ruled that the IRS was violating those tax-exempt entities’ First Amendment rights when they followed the President’s orders to target them.
Beyond his budgetary obsessions, Trump has shown a growing interest in international relations. He’s been taking on Canada. After a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both leaders committed to meeting personally next week. Trump has already alluded to annexing Canada and turning it into the 51st U.S. state. This proposal in particular has caused quite the stir among political observers.
“President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never – that will never, ever happen.” – Mark Carney
His plans go well beyond spending and diplomacy. He’s not just stopping at military commissions, either—not even at a proposed grand military parade on his birthday this June. Over 6,600 soldiers are expected to participate in the parade. Look for at least 150 military vehicles, 50 military helicopters, seven military bands, and possibly even thousands of civilian guests to join the celebration! This event has ignited some much-needed debate about whether such an event is necessary and worth the expense, especially during such deep budget cuts.
The reality is that the former president has already made his mark known on the U.S. economy. He touted the strong jobs figures. He called on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates to accelerate the effects of the tax plan and supercharge economic growth.
“Gasoline just broke $1.98 a Gallon… Just like I said, and we’re only in a TRANSITION STAGE, just getting started!!!” – Donald Trump
As Trump moves forward with his budget proposal and various initiatives, he continues to rely heavily on a group of loyalists and legal advisors to navigate the political landscape. This special cadre has been ordered to pursue enemies of his former administration and crush political dissent.
His backers laud his commitment to protecting military funding and putting homeland security first. At the same time, opponents insist that equitable progressive policies center on eliminating the very programs that put everyday Americans to work. They say his proposed education and healthcare cuts would severely destabilize their state’s healthcare system, particularly its rural hospitals. Families nationwide rely on these services, and millions will feel the adverse effects.
“His policies are nothing short of an all out assault on hardworking Americans.” – Chuck Schumer
Trump’s budget proposal has sparked widespread debate about the direction of federal spending and priorities. As legislators prepare to force the plan through, debates will become charged. Look for arguments over its effect on social welfare spending and national defense to ramp up accordingly.