The president’s budget is a reflection of the administration’s goals and long-term priorities. While the budget is not law, allocations are offered as a template for Congressional members to follow as they negotiate 2027 spending levels, particularly for Senate and House representatives who share a party affiliation with the president. 

By far the most striking feature of President Trump’s 2027 budget is a $1.5 trillion dollar allocation to defense spending — a 43 percent increase from what is currently allotted. This is separate from a $200 billion supplemental request that the Pentagon recently put forward in response to the ongoing war with Iran; a roughly $1 billion dollar a day operation for taxpayers. 

In order to finance a portion of this massive spending shift, the White House has proposed roughly $73 billion dollars in deductions to the domestic budget. A portion of this is made up from sweeping cuts to several agencies low on the President’s priority list, including a 53% cut to the Environmental Protection Agency  —  a massive reduction that would put the quality of our air, water, and land in further jeopardy. 

Additional cuts take aim at numerous priorities from previous administrations, ranging from renewable energy infrastructure to legacy waste cleanup efforts. In short, the budget is an attempt to end any and all environmental justice investments that would worsen public health outcomes, further increase energy bills, and allow major polluters to harm without consequences.

Cost of living is a major issue right now, but this budget does little to offer relief. For the sixth time, President Trump’s budget cuts the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also known as the Heating Assistance Program (HAP) in Alaska. LIHEAP is one of few federal assistance programs offering energy payment relief for low-income households. The budget’s rationale cites that lowered energy costs, a phenomenon Alaskans have yet to experience, will more than make up for the program.

The budget also zeroes out the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), a popular effort which helps retrofit homes to reduce energy use, and keep families safe during extreme temperatures. Both LIHEAP and WAP have historically received bipartisan support as representatives have realized the lifeline said services provide to those in need. 

At a time when energy prices are soaring and one out of three households is energy insecure, these cutbacks feel tone deaf. Our current crises abroad have exacerbated energy costs, going so far as to push many rural Alaskan communities toward a state of emergency.

In the coming months, both the House and Senate will debate the president’s budgetary guidelines, and ultimately shape a spending package for 2027. Throughout this process, The Alaska Center will be advocating for programs that support the health of our environment and the well-being of Alaska’s residents. Stay tuned to learn more about how to engage with your representatives and speak up for federally funded programs that matter to you.