Democrats Slam Trump's 'America Last' Budget Proposal

Schumer, Merkley, and Murray criticize plan's military focus and domestic spending cuts

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of the U.S. Capitol building in warm, golden light, conveying the political tensions surrounding the federal budget proposal.The partisan battle over the Trump administration's budget proposal reflects the deep ideological divide in Washington, with Democrats accusing the president of prioritizing military spending over domestic programs.Washington Today

Congressional Democrats have sharply criticized President Donald Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, signaling strong opposition as the plan moves into the legislative process. The proposal outlines a significant increase in defense spending alongside reductions in nondefense programs, which Democrats argue fails to address key economic concerns for Americans.

Why it matters

The budget battle highlights the deep partisan divide over spending priorities, with Democrats accusing the Trump administration of favoring military funding over domestic programs that many Americans rely on. The outcome of these negotiations could have major implications for federal funding across a range of policy areas.

The details

The White House budget proposal, prepared by OMB Director Russell Vought, calls for a 42% increase in defense spending compared to 2026 levels. The administration says this funding would be used to replenish munitions, strengthen military capabilities, and expand the defense industrial base. At the same time, the proposal calls for reducing non-defense spending by $73 billion, which the White House described as targeting 'woke, weaponized, and wasteful programs' while shifting certain responsibilities back to state and local governments.

  • The budget proposal was released on April 3, 2026.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York who is leading the opposition to the budget proposal.

Jeff Merkley

The ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, a Democrat from Oregon who criticized the plan for not addressing everyday financial pressures facing Americans.

Patty Murray

The vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a Democrat from Washington who described the proposal as 'morally bankrupt' and said it should be 'tossed in the trash.'

Brendan Boyle

The top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, who criticized the broader direction of the plan, saying 'Trump doesn't care about working Americans.'

Russell Vought

The White House Budget Director who prepared the 2027 budget proposal.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats will fight this budget tooth and nail to ensure it never becomes law.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

“The vision President Trump has outlined for America in his budget is bleak and unacceptable. President Trump wants to slash medical research to fund costly foreign wars. It doesn't get more backward than that, and the only responsible thing to do with a budget this morally bankrupt is to toss it in the trash.”

— Patty Murray, Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair

“Trump doesn't care about working Americans. He's asking Americans to foot the bill for his reckless war in Iran while cutting their health care, housing, education, and more. This budget is the epitome of 'America Last.'”

— Brendan Boyle, House Budget Committee Top Democrat

What’s next

The budget proposal will now move through the legislative process, where Democrats have vowed to fight it 'tooth and nail' to prevent it from becoming law.

The takeaway

The partisan battle over the 2027 budget reflects the deep ideological divide in Washington, with Democrats accusing the Trump administration of prioritizing military spending over domestic programs that support working families. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for federal funding across a range of policy areas.