Trump's Record Military Budget Threatens His Popularity.. Historic Spending on War vs. Cuts to American Programs
April 5, 2026932 ViewsRead Time: 2 Minutes
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Axios warned of the implications of the new budget proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, considering it could turn into a direct threat to his popularity, despite being described as the "strongest populist of this century."
According to the report, the timing of the budget proposal comes amid declining public support for the president, against the backdrop of the war with Iran and rising living costs, placing his administration in a difficult political test.
$1.5 Trillion for the Military Raises Spending to Major War Levels
The plan includes allocating about $1.5 trillion for defense spending, along with an additional $200 billion to cover costs related to operations in Iran, raising spending to levels close to those during major wars.
Trump asserts that this step is necessary to enhance military protection and ensure the security of the United States, even if it requires a broad redistribution of financial resources.
Sharp Cuts to Civilian Programs Raise Concerns Among the Electoral Base
The budget items indicate significant cuts in vital sectors affecting American lives, most notably a large reduction in environmental protection programs, cuts to the National Science Foundation funding, as well as a reduction in support for small projects.
These measures raise widespread concerns among groups that rely on these programs, especially the working class and rural communities that formed a key support base for Trump.
Rising Living Costs Pressure Economic Confidence
The budget proposal coincides with rising fuel prices and living pressures, leading to a decline in confidence in the economic performance of the U.S. administration, which was one of Trump's previous strengths.
Observers believe that the continuation of these pressures could negatively impact his popularity, especially as voters bear part of the cost of the war.
Division Within the Republican Party Over Passing the Budget
Republicans in Congress face a complex dilemma between supporting a plan that strengthens military power or rejecting it due to its impact on the programs their voters rely on.
According to the report, this division could lead to fractures within the party, especially if the cost of the war escalates or drags on.
