Trump Seeks $163B Cut to Civil Funds, Boosts Military

Trump Budget Slashes Civil Spending, Boosts Military and Border Security

President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping federal budget blueprint proposing $163 billion in cuts to non-defense programs while dramatically boosting military and border security funding.

The plan slashes spending on key social programs like public health, education, and transportation, with education alone facing a $12 billion reduction. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security would see its budget soar by 65%, underscoring Trump’s focus on curbing immigration and projecting military strength.

Though Trump has promised to shield Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security from cuts, Democrats warn the deep reductions in civil programs may ultimately threaten those entitlements—especially as Trump pushes to extend his 2017 tax cuts.

Critics also point to the influence of Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), an informal team reportedly embedded across federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration. Doge has already overseen the near-total closure of USAID and recommended sweeping cuts to foreign aid.

White House budget chief Russell Vought defended the proposal, saying it would eliminate “wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy” while prioritizing national defense and the needs of Americans.

“This is a historic budget to end the funding of our decline,” Vought said.