On Friday, President Trump dropped his 2026 budget proposal like a hot potato on Capitol Hill, and let’s just say — folks are either cheering or chasing it with pitchforks. With cuts so sharp you could shave with them, this budget is vintage Trump: brash, unapologetic, and aimed straight at the ideological fault lines of D.C.

Now, as an independent Christian conservative, I’m not here to carry water for any political party. Both Republicans and Democrats have made a mess of the nation’s wallet and our moral compass over the years. So, let’s take a good, hard look at what this budget gets right, what it gets wrong, and how it aligns with our values — biblically, constitutionally, and practically.

The Good: Finally, a Serious Look at Government Bloat

1. Cutting the Fat – or Trying To

Trump’s budget calls for over $163 billion in cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, with a big red “X” drawn over programs he deems “woke,” wasteful, or weaponized. Now, cutting bloated bureaucracies and wasteful programs isn’t just a conservative talking point — it’s biblical stewardship. Luke 16:11 reminds us: “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

We’re $36 trillion in debt. We don’t need more funding for things like gender studies in Pakistan or government-funded drag shows. Prioritizing fiscal discipline is both morally and economically responsible.

2. The Safety Net Shouldn’t Begin and End in Washington

Some of the proposed cuts to food assistance, housing aid, and education grants could hit struggling families the hardest — including many hard-working Christian families just trying to keep the lights on and the kids fed. If you’re going to tighten the federal belt, you’d better have a plan for what fills the gap.

But here’s the thing: that plan doesn’t always have to come from Washington.

This is where churches, local ministries, private charities, and community organizations ought to step up — and where government ought to get out of their way. For too long, federal programs have crowded out faith-based and grassroots efforts that are often more effective, more compassionate, and more accountable.

James 1:27 says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” That’s not a call for more bureaucracy — it’s a call for the Body of Christ to act.

Fiscal responsibility is essential — but so is mercy. And mercy doesn’t have to come stamped with a federal seal. If the government is going to do less, we the people — especially the Church — must be ready to do more.

3. Promoting Work Over Welfare

The budget seeks to impose work requirements for Medicaid recipients — a clear nod to the principle of self-reliance. We’re not talking about punishing the truly disabled or elderly; this targets able-bodied adults who, in many cases, can work but choose not to.

Paul wrote it plainly in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” There’s dignity in labor and encouraging people to contribute is better than enabling lifelong dependence on government.

The Bad: A Chainsaw Where a Scalpel Was Needed

Even the best-intentioned budget can go too far, and this one swings hard. Some of these cuts risk being counterproductive — or just plain unwise.

1. Slashing Science and Public Health: A Risky Prescription

Trump’s budget includes major cuts to key health and science agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While there’s certainly no shortage of inefficiencies and overreach in these bureaucracies — especially after the pandemic exposed deep flaws — this budget risks going too far in the other direction.

We can all agree these agencies need accountability and reform. But gutting funding in areas like disease prevention, biomedical research, and emergency preparedness is a gamble. COVID taught us that being unprepared costs lives — and money. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Medical research and public health infrastructure aren’t just liberal pet projects — they’re tools for healing and saving lives. As Christians, we’re called to care for the sick, not ignore their needs because Washington overspent somewhere else. Let’s fix what’s broken, but not cripple what still works.

2. Peace Through Strength — But Don’t Skimp on the Strength

The Trump budget proudly touts over $1 trillion in military spending, with big-ticket items like hypersonic weapons, border security enhancements, and a new space-based missile defense system dubbed the “Golden Dome.” At first glance, it’s the kind of unapologetic commitment to national defense that many of us have been praying for. After all, protecting our nation isn’t just good policy — it’s a biblical and constitutional responsibility.

Romans 13 makes it clear that government is ordained by God in part “to bear the sword” and protect the innocent. And in a world that’s growing more unstable by the day — from theSouth China Sea to our own southern border — a show of strength is not just smart; it’s essential.

But here’s the catch: that $1 trillion figure isn’t quite what it seems. A large chunk of it comes from temporary or supplemental funding, not guaranteed, year-over-year investment. The base military budget — which covers critical things like troop salaries, maintenance, and new equipment — is flat compared to last year. And when you adjust for inflation and the rising costs of global readiness, “flat” starts to look a lot like falling behind.

Even some of the most hawkish Republicans are sounding the alarm. They’re not questioning the mission — they’re questioning whether we’re actually funding it well. As Proverbs 24:6 says, “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” In other words, strong leadership needs wise planning — not just bold headlines.

So yes, “peace through strength” is the right strategy. But if we’re going to talk the talk, we need to walk the funding. Shortchanging defense in a dangerous world isn’t strength — it’s shortsighted.

Final Verdict: A Bold Step Forward, But One That Requires Prayer, Prudence, and a Sharpened Sword

If we’re looking at Trump’s 2026 budget through the lens of a Christian conservative, the picture is mixed — hopeful in some areas, concerning in others. Here’s the breakdown:

Moral Clarity on National Priorities

Trump rightly aims the budget axe at bloated, ideological programs and refocuses federal priorities toward border security, work requirements, and fiscal discipline. This is a welcome return to the ideals of limited government and personal responsibility — principles firmly grounded in both the Constitution and Scripture.

Blind Spots in Science and Public Health

On the flip side, deep cuts to biomedical research and public health infrastructure risk leaving us flat-footed in the face of future crises. We don’t need bloated bureaucracies, but we do need preparedness and wise stewardship — especially when it comes to protecting life and health. Proverbs 4:7 tells us, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.”

Shortchanging the Military — A Major Red Flag

This might be the most serious concern. The Constitution is crystal clear: national defense is a primary federal duty. A strong military isn’t optional — it’s essential to safeguarding liberty. Undercutting it now, when threats from China, Iran, and Russia are on the rise, is a risk we simply can’t afford.

So, should Congress pass Trump’s budget as it is?

No. But should they take it seriously, refine it, and build on its strengths? Absolutely. It’s long past time we stopped pretending the federal checkbook has no bottom.

That said, as we pursue fiscal discipline, we can’t afford to lose sight of what truly matters. By all means, let’s cut the waste, but not the wisdom. Let’s trim bloated bureaucracy, but not our ability to respond to health crises or defend against real threats from our enemies.