Key Takeaways

• The 2026 budget request includes a $114 billion increase in Pentagon spending, along with a $42 billion increase for the Department of Homeland Security.
• Trump earmarked $25 billion for the Pentagon to build a “Golden Dome” missile shield using space interceptors and satellites.
• Trump wants to eliminate a Health and Human Services program that helps subsidize energy bills for low-income earners, along with drastic reductions for a number of other programs.

From foreign aid to renewable energy programs, federal agencies are bracing for sweeping cuts.

As Trump’s budget proposal slashes $163 billion from nondefense discretionary spending, it threatens to eliminate some programs entirely. Meanwhile, it boosts the Pentagon’s budget by 13%, raising it to $962 billion in 2026.

This graphic shows Trump’s proposed budget, based on data from the Office of Management and Budget.

Trump’s $1.6 Trillion Budget Proposal

Below, we break down the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal:

The Pentagon stands to gain an additional $114 billion—the largest budget increase by far.

In particular, funding would be directed to building a “Golden Dome”, a multi-billion dollar missile shield that includes orbital sensors, satellites, and missiles on the ground. By the end of his term, Trump wants to spend $175 billion on its architecture.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security, could see its funding increase by 65%, or $42 billion.

In contrast, 11 departments face budget cuts. Notably, state and international programs would see a $49 billion slash in funding, the sharpest reduction in absolute terms. In March, the Trump administration stated it cut a total of 5,341 USAID projects, with the remaining functions set to fall under the State Department.

On May 22, the House passed the spending bill by a narrow margin after a final round of revisions. However, further changes are expected as it moves to the Senate.

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