- 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.
Below, we break down the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal:
| Department |
2026 Discretionary Budget Request |
Change vs 2025 |
| Pentagon |
$962B |
$114B |
| Homeland Security |
$107B |
$42B |
| Veterans Affairs |
$135B |
$5B |
| Transportation |
$27B |
$2B |
| Energy |
$51B |
$1B |
| Commerce |
$9B |
-$2B |
| Treasury |
$12B |
-$3B |
| Justice |
$33B |
-$3B |
| Labor |
$9B |
-$5B |
| Agriculture |
$22B |
-$5B |
| Interior |
$12B |
-$5B |
| Education |
$67B |
-$12B |
| Health and Human Services (HHS) |
$94B |
-$33B |
| Housing and Urban Development |
$44B |
-$34B |
| State/Int’l Programs |
$10B |
-$49B |
| Total |
$1.6T |
$18B |
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.
Credit: Visual Capitalist
