Trump proposes budget with record cuts

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump's administration yesterday proposed cutting federal spending by $163 billion in the next year, eliminating more than a fifth of civilian spending, excluding mandatory social welfare programs.

According to the budget proposal, defense spending would increase by 13%, and homeland security by almost 65% compared to 2025 levels.

Civilian discretionary spending would be reduced by 23%, bringing it to its lowest level since 2017, according to a statement from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The so-called "lean budget" represents a draft of the administration's political priorities, intended to serve as a basis for Republican lawmakers to draft spending legislation.

As the first budget of the Trump administration after returning to the White House, the proposal aims to fulfill his promises of increased investment in the military and border security, while simultaneously reducing federal bureaucracy.

- At this critical juncture, we need a historic budget – one that stops funding our decline, puts Americans first, and brings unprecedented support to our armed forces and homeland security – said OMB Director Russ Vought.

Given the national debt of $36 trillion, some fiscal conservatives and budget experts are concerned that Trump's tax cut bill will further increase the debt without sufficient spending cuts.

Trump is asking the Republican Congress to extend the 2017 tax cuts, which were a key legislative achievement of his first term, and which independent analysts estimate could increase the national debt by an additional $5 trillion.

The White House's annual budget request includes economic projections and detailed proposals on how much money should be spent in each federal agency during the fiscal year beginning October 1.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, total spending for fiscal year 2024 was $6.8 trillion.

Although lawmakers often make significant changes to presidential proposals, Trump has an unusually strong influence on this Republican Congress, so many of his requests could be accepted.

Republicans hope to pass a tax cut bill by July 4, but are simultaneously struggling with internal disagreements over the cuts needed to finance it.

They must also consider the economic pressure caused by Trump's tariff increases, which disrupt global trade.

Furthermore, the number of threats and harassment against the family members of federal judges who ruled against the Trump administration is growing.

According to the OMB, the budget proposal envisages the abolition or drastic reduction of the US Department of Education, while maintaining funding for children from low-income families.

- Trump is no longer playing the populist – said Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, calling the proposal an open attack on working families.

- While cutting healthcare, education, and key programs that families rely on, he is simultaneously funding tax breaks for billionaires and corporations – Schumer added.

The budget envisages an additional $500 million in discretionary spending to strengthen border security and support mass deportations, as well as $766 million for border security technology and funds to retain 22,000 border agents and hire new Customs and Border Protection officers.