Tightening the US purse strings
Trump’s lightweight budget may face some heavy opposition — including from within his own party
US President Donald Trump took "skinny to a new, anaemic level" with his new budget, according to wire agency Reuters. Weighing in at just 53 pages, the budget is in the flyweight division and devoid of detail, making it the lightest-weight budget of the past 40 years. What it lacked in detail, it made up for in decisiveness. State programmes in agriculture and labour were slashed by 21%, while justice lost 20% of its funding. The biggest beneficiaries were all security related, with an increase of 9% planned for defence, 7% for homeland security and 6% for veterans affairs. The New York Times wrote how Trump’s budget cuts would hurt many in the Trump heartland who depend on federal programmes that ameliorate job cuts.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.