The White House has presented the draft budget for the coming year with significant cuts. The plan for the 2021 financial year provides for less money for the environment, social affairs and development aid. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported the figures, citing a senior government official. By contrast, spending on the military is increasing. In total, US President Donald Trump’s budget is $ 4.8 trillion.
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Military spending is expected to increase to around $ 740.5 billion, and Trump also plans to invest more money in the modernization of the US nuclear arsenal. The National Nuclear Safety Agency is said to be able to draw on $ 3.2 billion more – an increase of almost 20 percent. In addition, two billion dollars are planned for a border wall with Mexico – Trump’s central promise from the last election campaign. In 2019, the Trump administration had been talking about $ 5 billion for it.
By contrast, non-military expenditure is falling – including the budget of the environmental agency EPA. International development aid is to be cut by 21 percent. In order to reduce public debt, Trump is also proposing savings in social housing and public transport, which have been rejected by MPs in recent years. The Democrats directly rejected the draft budget.
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“The budget reflects values. And the president shows once again how little he values the health, financial security and well-being of hard-working American families,” CNN quoted the Democrat Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
US Presidents traditionally submit their own budget plans, but these are primarily wish lists. It is unlikely that the draft budget will be implemented in this way. Budget law rests with Congress, and that’s where the Democrats have a majority in the House of Representatives. The White House and Congress must agree on a new budget by the end of September to avert government standstills. The budget plan is the last one that Trump presents during this term.
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