President Donald Trump is expected to again ask Congress to slash funding for domestic agencies and give far more money to the military when he delivers his 2027 budget request to lawmakers on Friday.
The president earlier this year suggested he could seek a defense budget of $1.5 trillion, which is about 50% more than lawmakers greenlit for this fiscal year. His administration has meanwhile begun probing federal programs for fraud — work that could lay the groundwork for deeper cuts.
But as the saying goes, “the president proposes, Congress disposes.” Last year proved no exception, despite Trump’s unique sway over his party and its control of both chambers.
This year could be an even tougher sell: Many Republicans will be more loath to redirect cash to the Pentagon as the war in Iran makes life more expensive for Americans ahead of November’s elections.