The White House recently pushed for significant cuts to non-disability programs in President Trump’s 2026 budget request, while also looking to bolster funding for defense and border initiatives.
This so-called "skinny budget" isn’t unusual for a president’s initial proposal. However, some budget conservatives have raised concerns about certain key aspects.
Republicans are eager for more clarity on the president’s spending targets in the weeks ahead. It’s worth noting that this request is more of a wishlist than an actual bill. Nevertheless, the administration’s latest proposal will focus on the funding priorities for the upcoming year as Republicans aim for significant reductions in federal spending.
Here are five points to understand regarding the budget requests:
Cuts on the Table
Trump aims to eliminate or significantly reduce funding for multiple federal programs, labeling them as either redundant, ineffective, or misaligned with current priorities. The proposed cuts include programs like the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program, Sexual Risk Aversion Education Program, and others, including initiatives targeting teenage pregnancy prevention.
Moreover, several development agencies, such as the US Global Media Agency and the US Institute of Peace, are also facing potential cuts.
The proposal suggests a nearly $27 billion reduction for the Housing and Urban Development Agency (HUD), pivoting to a state-based model for rental assistance that would allow states to craft their own programs based on specific needs, moving away from federal stipulations.
Growing Defense Spending
The budget layout revealed discretionary spending cuts of about $163 billion, whereas defense funding is set to increase by approximately 13%. This proposal relies on current funding levels, maintaining nearly consistent funding into 2024, while boosting defense spending by $6 billion and slashing $13 billion from non-disability programs.
The breakdown indicates reductions across different agencies, including 18% cutbacks for the Department of Agriculture and 44% for HUD. In contrast, agencies like the Department of Defense and Homeland Security are slated for significant increases.
Defense Spending Concerns
Despite calls for over $1 trillion in defense spending, the budget anticipates a rise in defense funding, alongside Trump’s border strategy. The process, known as budget adjustment, allows Republicans to push the president’s tax agenda forward while reducing overall spending. However, some members of the party are hesitant about integrating settlement funds into 2026 defense allocations.
Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) emphasized the need for real growth in military funding despite the administration’s perceived cuts.
Educational Cuts Excluding Head Start
The proposed budget includes reductions from the Department of Health and Human Services, though it notably spares the Head Start program, which benefits low-income families with early childhood education. Nonetheless, cuts in the education sector are still prominent, targeting programs like preschool development grants and significant funds for initiatives aimed at supporting low-income students’ access to college.
Tax Cuts Still Unclear
With a proposal exceeding $2.4 billion for the IRS, aiming to streamline enforcement, the budget also discusses eliminating some complex tax credits to enhance efficiency. Officials mentioned that detailed budget proposals are forthcoming later this year.
Republicans in Congress are negotiating a trillion-dollar tax cut as part of a broader deal, trying to extend parts of the 2017 Tax Act. However, experts like Maya MacGuiineas, head of the Responsible Federal Budget Committee, expressed cautious optimism about spending reductions while highlighting uncertainties around broader budget implications and impending debt concerns. She calls for a full release of the president’s budget plan for better clarity.
