• Trump's proposed 2026 budget calls for over $163 billion in cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, impacting programs supporting public health, housing, and energy assistance.
• The budget prioritizes defense, border security, and veterans' affairs, with significant funding increases in these areas, including a $175 billion investment to secure the border.
• The proposal has been met with bipartisan criticism, with concerns raised about the impact of cuts on vulnerable populations and the potential disruption of existing programs.

President Trump released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, outlining his administration's priorities for federal spending. The budget proposes significant cuts to various social programs, including housing assistance, energy assistance, and health initiatives, while increasing funding for defense and border security. The proposal aims to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, shift responsibility to states, and streamline existing programs. However, it has sparked controversy and faces opposition from both Democrats and Republicans who question the impact of the proposed cuts on vulnerable populations and essential services.

• What: President Trump's proposed 2026 budget outlines significant cuts to social programs and increased spending on defense and homeland security.
• Who: The Trump administration, Congress, low-income families, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and various government agencies.
• When: The budget proposal is for fiscal year 2026, which starts on October 1, 2025.
• Where: The budget impacts the entire United States, with specific attention to states like California, and various international programs.

The proposed budget reflects the Trump administration's priorities of reducing the size and scope of the federal government, shifting responsibility to states, and increasing defense spending. The cuts to social programs are likely to disproportionately impact low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities. The proposal to give states block grants for rental assistance raises concerns about the long-term funding and effectiveness of these programs. The increase in defense spending comes at the expense of other critical areas, such as education, health, and environmental protection. The budget is likely to face significant opposition in Congress, and its final form will depend on negotiations between the administration and lawmakers from both parties.

Millions of fewer people would receive assistance, We heard during President Trump’s campaign that his plan was to make housing more affordable and this is really doing the opposite.

This is a pretty historic effort to deal with the bureaucracy … that we believe has grown up over many years to be entrenched against the interests of the American people. We feel this is a joint project.

Based on my initial review, however, I have serious objections to the proposed freeze in our defense funding given the security challenges we face and to the proposed funding cuts to – and in some cases elimination of – programs like LIHEAP, TRIO, and those that support biomedical research. Ultimately, it is Congress that holds the power of the purse.

These cuts could reverse our progress and further strain local efforts to solve the affordability, housing supply, and homelessness crisis

President Trump's proposed budget for 2026 represents a significant shift in federal spending priorities, with deep cuts to social programs and increased investment in defense and border security. The proposal faces considerable opposition from both parties, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations and essential services. The final budget will likely be the result of intense negotiations in Congress, and its ultimate impact remains uncertain.