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Washington D.C. – In a move set to shake up federal budgeting, President Donald Trump is set to propose a sweeping $163 billion in cuts to non-defense discretionary spending for the 2026 fiscal year. The cuts, part of a “skinny budget” expected to be released later this week, represent a stark 22.6% reduction in projected spending for the current fiscal year. While not legally binding, the proposal is poised to be a major influence on future budget negotiations, particularly given the tight control Trump has over the Republican-controlled Congress.
The proposed cuts affect discretionary spending that Congress authorizes annually but exclude entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which are often protected from such reductions. The “skinny budget” serves as a preview of the president’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, although Congress ultimately has the power to approve, amend, or reject it. However, this year, Trump’s proposal may carry extra weight due to his stronger political influence over the GOP.
A spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget, who was not authorized to speak publicly before the official release, confirmed the cuts but provided few additional details. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, these cuts are part of the broader efforts to curb federal spending, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spearheading similar cost-saving measures across the government.
Jessica Riedl, a budget expert at the Manhattan Institute, noted that Trump’s grip on the Republican Party is tighter than it was in his first term, giving him more leverage in influencing congressional action. “The president has a tighter grip on the Republican Congress now than he did in 2017,” Riedl said, adding that this may make lawmakers more likely to support his budget proposals. Despite slim Republican majorities, Trump’s control over the party and its priorities suggests the proposal could gain traction on Capitol Hill.
This latest budget move is consistent with Trump’s ongoing focus on reducing government spending and restructuring federal operations. DOGE, the initiative created to streamline and cut government expenditure, has already begun enacting cost-saving measures without congressional approval, and this budget may preview further unilateral actions if Congress does not act.
While the cuts could face opposition from some lawmakers, particularly those whose districts rely on federal funding for various services, the Trump administration is determined to push forward with its vision of a leaner government. The full impact of the proposed cuts will only be clear when Congress begins its work on the 2026 budget, but for now, the “skinny budget” sets the stage for what could be a contentious budget year ahead.
