TRUMP RELEASES 2026 FEDERAL BUDGET REQUEST, BOOSTING MILITARY SPENDING AND VA FUNDING
On Friday morning, President Donald Trump unveiled his blueprint for the 2026 federal budget, calling for a mix of cuts to domestic programs, and a 13% increase in military spending. President Trump asked Congress for a budget of $892.6 billion for the fiscal year 2026, prioritizing rebuilding the military, promoting national security, and establishing deterrence.
Additionally, he asked Congress to cut the nation’s spending on non-defense programs by more than $163 billion. These cuts would eliminate more than a fifth of the non-military spending, excluding mandatory benefits programs.
The budget request outlines the priorities of the Trump administration, providing Republican lawmakers in Congress a blueprint to follow as they begin creating new spending bills. However, with the announcement of these new cuts, the larger question on the minds of many is: how will this affect our military and Veteran program funding.
Trump’s 2026 Federal Budget Provides the DOD Topline with Billions in Funding
Included in the budget is Trump’s plan to rebuild and strengthen the U.S. military. The budget lays out Trump’s plan briefly, stating that the budget will, "...achieve peace through strength by providing the resources to rebuild America’s military, re-establish deterrence, and revive the warrior ethos of America’s Armed Forces.”
$113 billion is mandatory funding has been allocated, prioritizing investments to the following overarching areas:
- Strengthening the safety, security, and sovereignty of the U.S.
- Deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific region
- Revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base
Getting more specific, the budget plans to enact changes in the following areas:
- End the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars to DEI programs. Instead, these funds will be redirected to military programs
- Provide a down payment on the development of a Golden Dome for America and a next-generation missile defense shield system
- Expand US shipbuilding capacity by modernizing infrastructure and increasing wages
- Support US space dominance to strengthen US National Security
- Fund the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance platform by focusing on the creation of the world's first crewed 6th-generation fighter aircraft
- Increase border security efforts
- Recognize service member’s sacrifices to our nation by providing them with a 3.8% pay raise
The Trump Administration Plans to Reinvigorate US Shipbuilding Efforts
On April 9, Trump signed an executive order aimed at revitalizing an American shipbuilding industry that has fallen behind the production levels of its rivals from China.
Recognizing the vital importance of the shipbuilding industry, the budget is providing an unprecedented $105 million for the Assistance to Small Shipyards program to jumpstart America’s domestic shipbuilding initiative.
The 2026 federal budget is also providing $550 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program, providing more support to maritime infrastructure projects.
Increased Budget for Programs Ending Veterans’ Homelessness
The spending plan calls for a $1.1 billion increase in programs that are aimed at ending Veteran’s homelessness. According to officials, the money would be for “rental assistance and augmenting VA’s existing case management.”
At this time, the VA has not released its estimate for mandatory VA spending in 2026, which would include money for disability benefits, education payouts, and specific medical expenses.
$3.3 Billion Is Being Set Aside for Medical Care Improvements
According to the released federal budget, an additional $3.3 billion will be set aside for medical care improvements for Veterans.
Budget officials have stated that the money will help ensure that “the nation provides the world-class healthcare to America’s veterans that they deserve.”
The officials also stated that with the expanded community care options they hope that, “Veterans who qualify for access to care with local community providers would be empowered to make choices to see them.”
Trump's budget proposal is set to expand Veterans' access to health care in the following ways:
- $3.3 billion more in funding for Veterans healthcare services
- $2.1 billion will be provided to move records over to an electronic system
How Will the Cuts Impact Defense and Veteran-Focused Programs?
Trumps’ proposed budget cuts are continuing to roll out, in the months after he has made significant cuts to the federal workforce.
The released budget proposes significantly boosting defense efforts. Trump’s 2026 plan proposes increasing military spending by 13 percent. This would increase the budget to $1.01 trillion in 2026.
The budget proposes huge cuts for the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the budget is allocating $500 million for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make American Healthy Again” initiative. There are plans for the CDC’s budget to be cut by more than half, down to $4 billion. There are plans for entire divisions to be eliminated, impacting Veteran healthcare access and VA services.
Trump has floated around the idea of a “Gold Dome” for months now, and with the new budget, it could become a reality. The budget proposes a “down-payment” for the development of a “next-generation missile defense shield.” What we know is that SpaceX will play a significant role in its development, as the Trump Administration ramps up efforts to strengthen U.S. national security.
The 2026 Federal Budget Could Bring Much Change for the Military Community
President Trump's proposed 2026 budget has outlined significant changes. Now, it is up to Congress to decide the fate of the budget.
In the next coming weeks, lawmakers will engage in negotiation to either approve or amend the proposed budget. There is a potential for continued “stopgap” measures to avoid a government shutdown. Be sure to check back in for more updates as this development changes.
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