Trump Budget Would Slash Some Construction Spending, Boost Transportation
Trump Administration Proposes $163 Billion Budget Cuts
The White House has unveiled a controversial proposal to cut $163 billion from non-defense spending in its 2026 discretionary budget request, released on May 2. This plan, which still requires Congressional approval, highlights the Trump administration’s priorities, including significant reductions in funding for various programs, particularly in environmental initiatives and social services. The proposed cuts represent a staggering 22.6% decrease from the enacted budget for 2025, with notable impacts on international programs, housing, and health services.
Major Cuts Across Key Departments
The proposed budget outlines substantial reductions in funding for several federal departments. The State Department and international programs face the largest cuts, with a proposed decrease of $49.1 billion, equating to an 83.7% reduction. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would see a cut of $33.6 billion, while the Department of Health and Human Services would lose $33.3 billion. These cuts are part of a broader strategy to streamline government spending and prioritize certain initiatives over others.
In addition to these cuts, the budget aims to eliminate billions from environmentally focused programs. The Department of Energy would lose $15.2 billion, affecting funding for renewable energy projects and carbon dioxide removal efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would also face significant reductions, including a $2.5 billion cut from its clean and drinking water programs. White House officials argue that states should take on more responsibility for funding their own water infrastructure, deeming some federal programs as duplicative.
Critics of the proposal have expressed strong concerns about the potential consequences of these cuts. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) labeled the budget as “an unmitigated disaster,” warning that it would expose families to unsafe drinking water and increase the risks associated with climate change. The proposed budget also includes cuts to the National Institute of Standards and Technology and various renewable energy programs under the Department of the Interior, further emphasizing the administration’s shift in funding priorities.
Transportation and Workforce Initiatives Receive Funding Boosts
While many programs face cuts, the proposed budget does allocate increased funding for certain transportation initiatives. The Federal Aviation Administration is set to receive an additional $824 million for upgrades to the National Airspace System, while the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program would see a $770 million increase. This funding is intended to support critical infrastructure projects, including highways, ports, and rail safety improvements.
Moreover, the White House’s Make America Skilled Again (MASA) initiative aims to enhance workforce training by granting states more control over funding. States receiving MASA grants would be required to allocate at least 10% of the funds to apprenticeship programs, reflecting the administration’s commitment to workforce development. However, this initiative also comes with a proposed cut of $1.6 billion in overall workforce training funding, which has drawn criticism for potentially neglecting diversity and inclusion efforts.
As lawmakers prepare to finalize the budget, reactions have been mixed. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised the proposal as a “bold blueprint,” indicating a willingness to collaborate with the administration. In contrast, Democrats have condemned the cuts, arguing that they disproportionately affect education, housing, and healthcare, all in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy. The final budget will likely undergo significant revisions before it is approved by Congress.
