The Office of Management and Budget in the Trump administration has sent President Donald Trump’s budget request for the fiscal year 2026 to Congress, as reported by the White House press office.
This is reported by Finway
The proposed budget, known as the “skinny budget,” includes an overall proposal for defense and non-defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins in the U.S. on October 1. According to the White House, Trump plans to cut discretionary non-defense spending by $163 billion or 23% compared to 2025.
“This is the lowest level of non-defense spending since 2017. The savings are achieved by eliminating radical diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and critical race theory,” the press office stated.
Among the key priorities of the budget, the Trump administration highlights:
- reducing funding for “disinformation” offices related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security;
- ending funding for programs associated with “harmful progressive media”;
- increasing border security spending, requesting an additional $500 million for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement;
- reorienting foreign aid;
- “restoring” the military and supporting veterans;
- preserving social security programs;
- shifting NASA’s focus to moon and Mars landings;
- supporting the development of artificial intelligence.
Reuters notes that the budget request outlines the White House’s priorities, providing Republicans in Congress with a basis for drafting spending bills. However, the chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Republican Susan Collins, has criticized the document.
“This request has come to Congress late, and key details remain unresolved. However, based on my initial review, I have serious objections,” she stated.
Collins also expressed concern about what she perceives as underfunding of defense and cuts to assistance programs for low-income Americans.
In April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the cancellation of another 139 grants totaling over $200 million, stating that American taxpayers should not fund “false programs” abroad.
Donald Trump confirmed on April 9 his support for “significant spending cuts” and expressed intentions to reduce spending by over a trillion dollars. Previously, Trump tasked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, with addressing this issue.