Trump seeks $1.5T for defense, 10% cut to domestic programs

Trump Proposes $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget, Calls for Domestic Program Reductions

The White House has unveiled a 2027 budget proposal that includes a significant increase in defense funding, set at $1.5 trillion (€1.3 trillion), while advocating for a 10% reduction in non-defense spending. This plan, submitted five weeks after the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensified, aims to bolster military resources by more than 40% in a single year—a sharp jump since World War II. The administration’s 92-page document outlines efforts to trim programs it deems “woke, weaponized, and wasteful,” shifting responsibilities back to state and local governments.

Focus on Military and Law Enforcement

The defense boost would support initiatives like the controversial Golden Dome missile defense system, expand critical mineral reserves for defense industries, and allocate $65.8 billion for constructing 34 new combat and support vessels. Trump also requested a 13% rise in Justice Department funding to enhance its ability to prosecute violent criminals. Homeland security and immigration enforcement spending would remain at $2.2 billion, covering operations, detention facilities, and family unit accommodations.

“An out-of-touch plea for more money for guns and bombs, and less for the things people need, like housing, health care, education, roads, scientific research, and environmental protection.”

Democrats swiftly criticized the plan, with Senator Jeff Merkley, the lead Democrat on the Budget Committee, condemning it as prioritizing military expansion over essential services. The proposal also targets several federal departments, including a 19% cut to the Agriculture Department, a 12.5% reduction for the Health Department, and a 52% decrease in the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget.

Among the cuts, Trump seeks to slash over $15 billion from the Biden-era bipartisan infrastructure law, impacting renewable energy projects and “woke” environmental justice initiatives. The administration also plans to reduce $106 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, citing its promotion of “radical gender ideology” in schools. Additionally, nearly 30 Justice Department programs will be eliminated, and the National Endowment for Democracy faces a $315 million budget cut.

Support and Criticism from Congress

The White House further requests a 23% reduction in NASA’s funding, with $3.6 billion earmarked for the science unit. While some Republicans endorse the military increase, arguing it aligns US spending with 5% of GDP, they stress the need to maintain global military leadership. Senators Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers, heads of the Senate and House armed services committees, praised the move as a strong signal to allies and partners.