Schumer, Dems wage war on Trump's 'America Last' budget: 'Toss the morally bankrupt plan in trash'

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressional Democrats on Friday, April 3, 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.

Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate argued the budget fails to address key economic concerns for Americans. 

Democrats criticize spending priorities and proposed cuts

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led Democratic criticism, pledging firm resistance to the proposal.

“Democrats will fight this budget tooth and nail to ensure it never becomes law,” he said, while highlighting concerns over its funding priorities.

Schumer pointed to the proposed $1.5 trillion in military spending, arguing it comes at the expense of programs that Americans rely on.

Other Democrats echoed similar concerns, particularly regarding domestic spending reductions.

Senator Jeff Merkley, the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, said the plan does not address everyday financial pressures.

He stated the proposal “doesn’t address how to tackle the high price of gas or groceries that Americans are facing every day, our skyrocketing debt, or the looming Social Security insolvency.”

Senator Patty Murray, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, described the proposal in stark terms.

“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,” she said.

Rep Brendan Boyle, the top Democrat on the Budget Committee, criticized the broader direction of the plan, “Trump doesn't care about working Americans.”

He added, "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.'"

White House proposal and Republican support

The budget, prepared by White House Budget Director Russell Vought, proposes a 42% increase in defense spending compared to 2026 levels. 

The administration said the funding would be used to replenish munitions, strengthen military capabilities, and expand the defense industrial base, reflecting ongoing military operations abroad.

At the same time, the proposal calls for reducing non-defense spending by $73 billion. The White House said these cuts would target what it described as “woke, weaponized, and wasteful programs,” while shifting certain responsibilities back to state and local governments.

Democrats argued the proposal prioritizes military spending over domestic needs. 

Merkley described the plan as “dead on arrival,” stating that it is “just an out-of-touch plea for more money for weapons, and less for the things people need, like housing, health care, education, roads, scientific research, and environmental protection.”

Despite the criticism, Republicans have expressed support for the proposal. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the plan aligns with campaign commitments.

“President Trump’s proposed budget for FY27 fulfills Republicans’ commitment to restore fiscal sanity, reduce waste, fraud, make our streets and neighborhoods safe again, and further ignite the American dream. These are the things we ran on and that the American people voted for,” he said.