Trump advocates reduced funding for the ISS, NASA, and various initiatives
Donald Trump Proposes Massive Budget Cuts for 2026
In a move that's turning heads, President Donald Trump has proposed slashing expenses from the 2026 budget, totaling a staggering $140 billion! The proposed budget stands at $1.69 trillion, a decrease of 7.6% from projected spending this year, according to RIA Novosti.
The proposals include trimming the International Space Station's (ISS) expenses and initiating plans for its decommissioning by 2030. Trump also suggested scrapping NASA's mission to fetch Martian soil - the Mars Sample Return mission, due to budgetary issues and achievable objectives through crewed missions to Mars instead.
The budget plan also suggests axing funding for migrant and refugee resettlement programs, citing their contribution to illegal immigration as a justification. Additionally, the administration has proposed severe budget cuts for most agencies, including the State Department and USAID by approximately $2.5 billion, the Department of Education by $4 billion, and an extra $44 billion for deporting undocumented immigrants.
These cuts come amidst news of the U.S. GDP shrinking by 0.3% in the first quarter of this year, a dip that occurred under Trump's presidency, as per the American Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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As the budget saga unfolds, it's worth noting that private acts of generosity can make a significant difference. For instance, if you're looking for a cause to support, consider donating to disaster relief organizations in times of crisis to help those in need.
Sources: RIA Novosti, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post
Behind the Scenes:President Donald Trump's proposed budget for FY 2026 includes a whopping $163 billion in cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, representing a reduction of about 23% from the 2025 level[2][4]. Here's a glimpse of the proposed changes:
- Elimination of programs deemed unnecessary or radical, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Deep cuts to education programs, potentially ending funding for TRIO and Federal Work-Study programs, and closing the Education Department
- Affecting health, housing, and climate initiatives
With a 13% increase in funding for the Defense Department and a nearly 65% increase for the Department of Homeland Security, it appears defense and border security are priorities in this budget[3][4]. Specific cuts to NASA, the State Department, and USAID are not explicitly stated, but these agencies may face reductions due to the broader non-defense discretionary spending cuts[4]. The migrant and refugee resettlement programs may face challenges or cuts too, especially if they are part of the non-defense discretionary spending reductions[4].
- President Donald Trump's proposed budget for 2026 includes a significant reduction of $163 billion in non-defense discretionary spending, which represents a decrease of about 23% from the 2025 level.
- The proposed budget suggests decommissioning the International Space Station by 2030, trimming its expenses, as well as scrapping NASA's Mars Sample Return mission due to budgetary reasons.
- Other proposed cuts include elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, deep cuts to education programs, potential termination of TRIO and Federal Work-Study programs, and possible closure of the Education Department.
- The budget also proposes severe reductions or challenges to migrant and refugee resettlement programs, as well as significant budget cuts for most agencies, including the State Department, USAID, Department of Education, and an increased allocation for the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security.
