President Donald Trump's new budget plan reshapes federal spending with significant increases for defense and border security alongside deep cuts to numerous domestic programs.
According to NewsNation, the White House's proposed budget for 2026 increases defense spending to $1.01 trillion while cutting $163 billion from nondefense programs and allocating $175 billion for border security through the Department of Homeland Security.
The sweeping budget proposal reflects Trump's priorities by boosting military capabilities and border enforcement while making substantial reductions across multiple federal agencies. The plan targets what the administration describes as "woke" ideology and "radical left" programs, particularly those focused on climate change, diversity initiatives, and minority-specific services.
Major cuts target international and domestic programs
The State Department faces the most severe reduction with an 83.7% decrease, amounting to $49.1 billion in cuts. This dramatic slash would eliminate numerous international aid programs, including disaster assistance, peacekeeping missions, and educational exchanges.
The Department of Health and Human Services would lose $33.3 billion, representing a 26.2% reduction. The cuts would affect Medicare and Medicaid management, hospital preparedness, and various public health programs. However, the administration proposes a new $500 million "Make America Healthy Again" initiative focusing on nutrition and physical activity.
The Environmental Protection Agency would see more than half its budget eliminated with a $5 billion reduction. While drinking water programs would receive increased funding, the agency faces significant cuts to climate programs, emissions control, and Superfund cleanup efforts.
Defense and border security receive substantial increases
The Department of Defense would receive a $113.3 billion boost, bringing its total budget to $1.01 trillion. The increase focuses on military strength and a new "Golden Dome" missile defense system while eliminating diversity and climate-related initiatives.
Homeland Security gains substantial funding for border enforcement and deportation operations. However, the department faces reductions in several areas, including FEMA's non-emergency funds, immigrant humanitarian assistance, cybersecurity, and TSA operations.
The Department of Transportation would receive a $1.5 billion increase, primarily directed toward the Federal Aviation Administration and infrastructure improvements. However, the budget reduces support for rural air service programs.
Multiple agencies face elimination under new proposal
The budget calls for the complete defunding of several federal agencies and programs, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AmeriCorps, and various cultural institutions. These cuts align with the administration's broader goal of reducing federal spending in areas it considers non-essential.
The NASA space program would lose 24% of its current funding, approximately $6 billion. While lunar and Mars exploration receives increased support, significant cuts target Earth science programs, space technology development, and STEM education initiatives.
Financial reality meets political priorities
Trump's 2026 budget proposal represents a significant realignment of federal spending priorities, increasing defense funding to $1.01 trillion while implementing substantial cuts across most domestic agencies.
The plan emphasizes border security with a $175 billion investment through Homeland Security while reducing or eliminating numerous social programs, environmental initiatives, and international aid efforts. As the budget moves through Congress, it faces potential modifications from both supporters and opponents of these sweeping changes.
