Trump's 2027 Budget Proposal Released: Defense Spending Hits Record High, Domestic Programs Heavily Cut

U.S. President Donald Trump recently unveiled his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which significantly restructures federal spending. The plan allocates record funding in defense, immigration, and technology sectors while implementing large-scale cuts to numerous social, educational, and research programs—demonstrating a core policy direction aimed at shrinking the federal government and reshaping national priorities.

This document, seen as a blueprint for Trump’s second term, has been sent to Congress for review and is expected to spark intense political debate. In its explanatory statement, the White House said: “Cost savings will come from cutting or eliminating ‘woke,’ weaponized, and wasteful programs, and returning some responsibilities to state and local governments.”

According to the proposal, defense spending in 2027 will reach $1.5 trillion—an increase of approximately 42% to 44% compared to 2026, marking the highest level in decades. Funds will be used to strengthen the military-industrial base, develop next-generation weapons, and expand military deployments.

This includes a project named the “Golden Dome,” a missile defense system estimated to cost up to $175 billion, designed to intercept hypersonic missiles and nuclear attacks, including threats originating from space. Additionally, the budget allocates $65.8 billion to build 34 warships, dubbed the "Trump Golden Fleet." Military pay will also rise by 5% to 7%, signaling the administration’s intent to boost morale and recruitment capabilities.

Analysts suggest this move is linked to ongoing U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly escalating tensions with Iran, although the budget document does not explicitly list related war costs.

In domestic security, the proposal increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service. Nearly $1.5 billion is allocated for military participation in border patrols along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Additionally, $216 million is designated for National Guard deployments “to respond to domestic events requiring military support,” and $605 million is set aside for continued presence in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice’s budget is increased by about 13%, focusing on combating violent crime, gangs, and drug cartels.

The budget also proposes cutting $52 million from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), initiating a privatization process. Smaller airports will be required to join the “Security Screening Partnership Program,” with government funding used to hire private security personnel.

Currently, nearly ten airports have adopted this model, with San Francisco International Airport being the largest. However, the proposal does not clearly define “small airports” or specify exact timelines.

In stark contrast to defense spending, non-defense expenditures are slated for a reduction of about $73 billion—approximately 10%. Multiple federal agencies face major budget cuts, including the Small Business Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency, with reductions exceeding 50%.

Additionally, the Department of Labor, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are also targeted for cuts. The “National Endowment for Democracy,” which supports global democratic initiatives, is completely eliminated.

The budget also slashes K–12 education grants, renewable energy programs, housing assistance, senior employment support, and food subsidies—overall reflecting a strategy to reduce direct federal support for low-income communities.

However, the proposal includes some increases, such as an additional $10.5 billion in federal Pell Grants to assist low-income students, and over $1 billion invested in energy production and water security.

In space exploration, NASA will receive a budget of $18.8 billion—a 23% increase from the previous year. Of this, $731 million will go toward the “Artemis Program,” aiming to send humans back to the Moon before 2028 and establish a permanent base at the lunar south pole. To save about $3.4 billion, the government plans to terminate 40 existing missions, including the Mars Sample Return mission. The document states that these objectives “can be achieved through future crewed Mars missions.”

Trump’s administration also introduced the “President’s Capital Management Plan,” allocating $10 billion to improve safety, cleanliness, and urban aesthetics in Washington, D.C. Led by the National Park Service, the initiative includes construction and beautification projects, with the goal of making the capital “proudly inspiring again for Americans.”

This budget reflects Trump’s long-standing positions, including shrinking the federal government’s role, opposing so-called “woke culture,” strengthening borders and public safety, and accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence and military technology.

Yet, the budget fails to present specific solutions for addressing America’s massive deficit and national debt. As of the 2025 fiscal year, the U.S. deficit reached $1.78 trillion, and the national debt surpassed $39 trillion.

This budget is merely an initial proposal from the executive branch and still requires review, revision, and reconciliation by both the House and Senate before being sent to the president for signature. It is widely expected that Congress will substantially amend the content.

The Democratic Party has strongly opposed it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Democrats “will ensure this budget never passes.”

Senate Appropriations Committee Democratic Leader Patty Murray criticized the proposal as “a bleak and unacceptable portrayal of national priorities,” adding: “President Trump wants to cut medical research to fund expensive overseas wars—an approach more backward than any other imaginable. For a budget morally bankrupt like this, the only responsible action is to throw it into the trash.”

Nevertheless, the Trump administration has repeatedly adjusted or frozen previously approved spending through executive actions in recent years, sparking power struggles with Congress. Analysts note that even if Congress rejects certain parts of the budget, the White House may still push forward its agenda through alternative mechanisms. While the traditional saying in American politics remains “the president submits the budget, Congress decides what stays,” this norm is increasingly challenged by the expanding reach of executive authority.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861621280498700/

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