Trump's FY27 Budget Proposes Massive Defense Spending, Cuts to EPA and HUD, Affecting Architects and Planners

For fiscal year 2027, the White House unveiled a discretionary budget that emphasizes defense, proposing a 44% increase to $1.5 trillion, marking the highest amount ever allocated in U.S. history. Funding for the EPA would see a significant reduction of 52%, bringing it down to $4.2 billion, while HUD funding would also decline by 13%. The budget seeks to eliminate "Green New Scam projects" and restrict access to federal student loans for architecture students. A new initiative, the Presidential Capital Stewardship Program, would establish a $10 billion fund for D.C. projects. Housing initiatives would face cuts, including reductions from Fair Housing Act programs and $393 million from Homeless Assistance Programs. The Department of Transportation would receive a 6% boost. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized the proposal, with Congress expected to review it in May 2026.