President Donald Trump has released a budget proposal that seeks to cut funding for health, education, and clean energy programs while increasing military spending. The proposal, detailed in a 40-page document, was sent to congressional leaders on Friday (May 2).

The budget suggests a 23% reduction in discretionary funding, totaling $163 billion, and a 13% increase in military spending. Among the proposed cuts are $18 billion from the National Institutes of Health, $4 billion from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and $3.6 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clean energy, education, scientific research, and international aid programs also face reductions.

Conversely, the budget proposes a $43.8 billion increase for the Department of Homeland Security and $113.3 billion for the Defense Department. It also allocates $500 million for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" initiatives.

While White House budgets are typically symbolic and rarely enacted as proposed, they reflect the president's priorities and influence congressional debates. Trump's budget is expected to impact upcoming government funding talks, with current funding set to expire on September 30.

The budget has drawn praise from Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called it a "bold blueprint" for American strength. However, it has faced criticism from Democrats, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeling it an "all out assault on hardworking Americans."

Lucy Chapman