Susan Collins Objects to Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and other prominent Republicans have voiced strong objections to President Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal, criticizing both its proposed freeze on defense funding and steep cuts to non-defense programs. Collins highlighted the threat posed by eliminating or slashing programs such as LIHEAP, TRIO, and biomedical research support, especially given ongoing security challenges. Republican defense hawks, including Collins and Mitch McConnell, argue the administration's claim of a defense funding increase is misleading, as it relies on unapproved congressional roadmaps and amounts to a real-terms cut. The proposal also seeks to cut more than $163 billion from government programs, with some agencies facing reductions of up to 50%. Despite the administration’s ambitions, Collins emphasized that Congress holds ultimate authority over federal spending and plans a rigorous review process. Concerns also persist among Republicans that such drastic budget cuts could alienate key political constituencies and undermine national security.