Thu Apr 17 02:58:16 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration Proposes Massive $40 Billion Cut to US Health Department Budget

**Washington, D.C. – April 17, 2025** – The Trump administration is planning a drastic reduction to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget, proposing a $40 billion cut for the 2026 fiscal year, according to a draft budget document reported by *The Washington Post*. This represents approximately one-third of the department’s current discretionary spending, slashing it from $121 billion (approved in 2024) to $81 billion.

The proposed cuts, part of a broader government austerity plan spearheaded by President Trump and advisor Elon Musk, come on the heels of a March announcement restructuring HHS and resulting in a 25% staff reduction across various agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The draft budget not only proposes significant funding cuts but also a major reorganization of HHS. This includes merging several branches of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and eliminating programs focused on chronic disease prevention, improving rural healthcare access, and early childhood education for low-income families.

While the proposed cuts affect discretionary spending, the overall HHS budget, including mandatory outlays for Medicare and Medicaid, remains at approximately $1.8 trillion. The draft budget still requires Congressional approval.

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