A $1.5 trillion defense increase is proposed alongside $15.8 billion in healthcare cuts — and a deeper argument about what government spending reveals about priorities

Americans who rely on Medicaid, SNAP, and other health-related assistance programs could see reduced access to services or eligibility changes if the cuts are implemented. The proposal calls for a 10% across-the-board cut to nondefense spending, reducing it to $660 billion. HHS would face a $15.8 billion reduction in funding under the proposal. NIH would lose $5 billion in funding under the proposal. The budget proposes creating the Administration for a Healthy America and refocusing HHS on core functions by eliminating programs deemed inefficient or misaligned with 'Make America Healthy Again' goals. President Donald Trump's 2027 budget proposal requests $1.5 trillion for defense spending, a more than 40% increase over 2026.