Trump 2026 Budget Proposal: Foreign-Policy Cuts and Defense Spending

Key Budget Highlights

President Trump's proposed 2026 budget includes a substantial increase in defense spending ($1.01 trillion, a 13% increase) and significant cuts to non-defense programs. The plan reflects an "America First" approach, prioritizing domestic concerns.

Foreign Policy Cuts

The State Department and USAID face the most drastic cuts, totaling $49.1 billion (an 83.9% reduction). This includes significant reductions in development aid, disaster relief, and funding for international organizations. These cuts are justified by the administration as eliminating funding for what it deems "radical, leftist priorities".

Increased Defense and Homeland Security Spending

Conversely, the budget allocates over $113 billion to the Department of Defense, focusing on shipbuilding, countering China in the Indo-Pacific, and missile defense. Homeland Security receives $43.8 billion, largely for border security and mass deportations.

Other Notable Changes

• Cuts to international climate initiatives ($275 million).
• Reductions in funding for multilateral development banks ($555 million).
• Decreased funding for the NIH and CDC ($17.96 billion and $3.59 billion, respectively), while maintaining global health surveillance as a priority.
• Increased funding for the Department of Transportation's shipbuilding and port infrastructure programs ($596 million).
• Cuts to NASA programs, shifting funding toward lunar and Martian missions.
• Cuts to U.S. Agency for Global Media, impacting Voice of America and other state-funded media.

Budget's Significance

While the budget is subject to Congressional approval and modifications, it serves as a strong indicator of the Trump administration's priorities and its vision for the United States' role on the global stage.