Senate GOP Critiques Trump's 2026 Military Budget Proposal

Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, strongly criticized President Trump's 2026 budget proposal, arguing it fails to deliver on promises of increased military funding and undermines national security. Despite the White House's claim of a 13% defense spending increase, Wicker and other Republicans contend that the proposed $893 billion in baseline defense spending essentially keeps funding flat, amounting to a real-term cut given inflation and rising threats from adversaries like China and Russia. The administration seeks to supplement the defense budget with additional funds through a reconciliation bill, but defense hawks insist this does not substitute for consistent growth in the military’s base budget. The proposal also includes sharp cuts to domestic programs such as public health, education, and clean energy, while increasing spending on border security and the military. Critics warn that the budget could reduce the president's negotiating leverage internationally and weaken military capabilities. While White House budgets are often symbolic, this proposal is likely to influence upcoming government funding debates in Congress.