Farm Progress

Reaction to Trump's America First budget

Budget prioritizes defense, immigration enforcement.

March 22, 2017

1 Min Read
Copies of President Trump's overview of budget priorities for FY2018, 'America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.' are put on display at the Government Publishing Office (GPO) and the Office of Management and Budget, on March 16, 2017, in Washington, DC.MarkWilson/GettyImages

President Trump released his America First budget on March 16.

In his remarks to Congress, Trump said the budget "advances the safety and security of the American people."

The budget

  • Provides a large increase in defense spending;

  • Increases the budget for immigration enforcement at the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security;

  • Includes funding for a border wall between the United States and Mexico

  • Increases funding to reduce opioid abuse

Here are some reactions to the budget:

President Trump's proposed budget for 2018 has received criticism from the American Farm Bureau and National Farmers Union. The groups want more money. – KRCG Channel 9

Trump's budget blueprint contains mixed news for food safety. There's a 31% cut for Environmental Protection Agency and 21% cut for USDA. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is fully funding. – FoodQualityNews

The proposed budget impacts only USDA's discretionary budget. – The Times

House Agriculture Committee chairman Mike Conaway said Trump's budget is initial proposal. Congress will work through its own budget policies and priorities. – Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Winners in Trump budget include defense, veterans affairs, homeland security. Losers include EPA down 31%, state down 28% and agriculture and labor, down 21%. Programs slated for 100% funding cuts include: discretionary activities of the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, the Chemical Safety Board and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. – AltEnergyStocks.com

Trump's discretionary budget eliminates funding for 19 agencies. – The Washington Post

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