Sen. Collins Raises Red Flag Over Military Spending Cap—But Conservatives Applaud Trump’s Tough Cuts to Wasteful Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump’s 2026 budget proposal is making waves on Capitol Hill—and sparking a fierce debate over national defense funding, border security, and the fight against wasteful government spending.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, voiced “serious objections” Friday to the White House’s budget request, citing concerns over a proposed freeze in core military spending and cuts to domestic programs like LIHEAP, TRIO, and biomedical research.
“This budget came in late, it lacks clarity, and it proposes to flatline defense spending at a time of global instability,” Collins stated. “Congress—not the White House—controls the purse strings, and we will do our due diligence.”
💥 Trump’s Plan: Cut Waste, Secure the Border, Rebuild America
Despite the criticism, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB)—led by Director Russell Vought—announced that the president’s vision includes a 13% increase in total defense-related spending, reaching nearly $1 trillion for FY2026.
This bold proposal relies on a legislative tool known as budget reconciliation, which allows Republicans to bypass Democrat obstruction and push through critical spending increases for the military, border security, and immigration enforcement.
Vought emphasized, “At least $325 billion in new defense funding will be fast-tracked to ensure our troops, veterans, and border agents are fully equipped to defend this country.”
🛑 Flat Military Budget? Defense Hawks Say ‘Not Enough’
While the reconciliation pathway is gaining traction, some top Republicans are urging more action. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that keeping the base Pentagon budget flat would amount to a real-term cut.
“This marks the fifth straight year we’ve seen Biden-era defense numbers rolled forward,” Wicker said. “That is unacceptable. The world is watching, and we must project strength—not stagnation.”
Wicker pledged to work hand-in-hand with President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure America’s military isn’t just funded—but fully modernized.
✅ Grassroots Conservatives Applaud the Strategy
While D.C. moderates express caution, America First conservatives are praising Trump’s approach as a smart, hardline shift away from bloated bureaucracy.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) called the move a “wise paradigm shift” that ends the era of letting liberal Democrats hold military funding hostage in exchange for “woke, weaponized agencies.”
“Trump is doing what he promised—cutting waste, fighting for the forgotten American, and prioritizing real defense,” Roy posted on X.
🇺🇸 Bottom Line: America’s Priorities Are Being Reset
With a focus on restoring military readiness, slashing reckless spending, and ensuring the southern border is defended, President Trump’s budget marks a historic pivot toward national strength and fiscal discipline.
For conservative voters 50 and older, the message is clear: America is back in charge—and this budget is just the beginning.