Defense Boost, Domestic Cuts: Trump's Controversial 2025 Budget

The Trump administration announced a federal budget for 2025 in the amount of 163 billion that focuses heavily on defense and border security, while reducing spending in other domestic areas, such as education, housing, and other spending programs. Non−defense discretionary spending would fall 235 trillion, to the national debt.

Democratic congressional leaders denounced the cuts as damaging to working families. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called it an "attack on hardworking Americans." Some Republicans, for example, Senator Susan Collins said she is worried about lack of defense funding and cuts to programs including low-income heating assistance. While the White House calls the budget a roadmap to "end America's decline," there is bipartisan disbelief about the budget's possibility and implications for the fiscal side of the government.

The proposal slashes funding for multiple agencies. The IRS faces a 2.49 billion cut , which experts argue could weaken tax enforcement and worsen deficits. The Department of Education would lose 152.49 billion, while NASA’s moon program and healthcare initiatives also face cuts.

Regardless of a suggested 13% increase in defense spending, Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker argued inflation makes the increase effectively no increase at all. This budget is top-heavy on border enforcement, specifically funding 22,000 patrol agents and deportation efforts. A senior OMB official said they were actively working with Congress to gain the support of Republicans, especially with respect to defense funding.