Top Senate Armed Services Republican tears into Trump OMB’s defense budget

The recent release of President Donald Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) government funding proposal for fiscal year 2026 has sparked controversy within the Senate, particularly among the Armed Services Republicans. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Senate’s top Armed Services Republican, did not hold back in his criticism of the budget proposal. In a scathing statement, Wicker expressed his disappointment with the OMB’s handling of the budget, stating that it did not align with President Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” agenda that he campaigned on.

Wicker specifically called out the OMB for its proposed cuts to defense funding, which he believed would severely impact critical military programs like Golden Dome, border support, and unmanned capabilities. He accused the OMB of undermining the military’s capabilities and support for service members, contrary to President Trump’s campaign promises.

The OMB’s budget proposal, also known as the “skinny budget,” includes a $163 billion cut to non-defense funding while increasing defense funding from $893 billion to $1.01 trillion, marking a 13% increase. However, Wicker highlighted that the discretionary defense spending remained stagnant at $892.6 billion, raising concerns about the lack of real growth in the military budget.

Despite the OMB’s intentions to secure a $1 trillion-plus budget through creative means, Wicker emphasized the importance of genuine growth in the defense budget to enhance military options and negotiation leverage. He criticized the OMB for not prioritizing a trillion-dollar budget and called for a reevaluation of the proposed budget to better support the military’s needs.

As Congress works to develop its own budget plan based on the White House’s framework, Wicker remains committed to advocating for increased defense spending to reach 5% of the GDP, a significant jump from the current 3.5 percent. He expressed his willingness to challenge the OMB’s guidelines and push for substantial growth within the defense budget to meet the country’s national security requirements.

In conclusion, the OMB’s budget proposal has faced intense scrutiny from Sen. Roger Wicker and other lawmakers who are determined to prioritize the military’s needs and ensure adequate funding for defense programs. The debate over defense spending is expected to continue as Congress deliberates on the budget plan, with Wicker leading the charge for robust investment in national security.