Lewis-Burke has provided an updated analysis of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 President’s budget request. Unlike previous years when comprehensive budget information on funding priorities and goals of federal agencies for the next fiscal year was released on the same day, the Trump Administration has been releasing budget information piecemeal with some agencies providing full justifications, others providing brief overviews, and the White House releasing a very high-level Appendix with topline numbers for some key accounts. This summary will be updated when more comprehensive justifications are provided by federal agencies.
Collectively, these disparate narratives tell the story of the Trump Administration’s priorities for FY 2026 that include mass consolidations of federal programs and drastic cuts to many science and technology initiatives. Specifically, the budget documents provide additional insights on proposed reductions to clean energy, environment, education, and health care programs as the Trump Administration seeks to cut $163 billion or nearly 23 percent from non-defense discretionary programs. The new budget documents also make clear that the top research and development priorities include Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Information Science. In general, funding for these areas would be spared from major cuts, and in some cases, the budget request proposes some targeted increases.
Ultimately, Congress will have the final say in spending decisions for FY 2026 with the House starting to advance FY 2026 appropriations bills this week.