The finalized 2027 budget outline submitted by President Trump to Congress prioritizes defense spending over the needs of the American people. Alianza Americas, a network of more than 55 organizations led by immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean, calls on Congress to reject an increase in military spending at the expense of cuts to education, health, housing, and climate change programs. “Absolutely No!” is the response from working families who are enduring the costs of a military operation that has turned into a war, without measuring the consequences in fossil fuel markets worldwide. We call on members of Congress to stand with their voters and to prioritize them over the military fantasies of misguided leadership.
President Trump’s defense request is the highest in U.S. modern history. It is a 44% increase over the Pentagon's budget in fiscal year 2026. This huge increase in military spending will only contribute to the federal deficit, burdening future generations. The war in Iran was not approved by Congress, and it can not be supported with a 2027 budget to restock munitions and other military supplies. Still today, there is no clear and convincing case for the imminent threat that justified military aggression.
This is an irresponsible decision from a leadership focused on looking backward, rather than working towards the future, creating opportunities, and addressing future threats. This administration has already severely reduced funding for student loans, Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and clean energy transition.
Furthermore, requesting funding for border enforcement and mass deportations, despite the popular sentiment against how these policies are being executed and the impact on migrant families and communities, reflects the Administration's inability to listen to the people and act on their priorities. Congress cannot continue funding DHS until substantial modifications are made to how it interprets the law, issues memos, and directs federal agencies to conduct immigration enforcement.
Attempting to offset the increase with $73 billion cuts across domestic agencies represents a big blow to ordinary people. Climate, housing, and education programs are not luxuries that the U.S. can eliminate; these are basic needs that ensure quality of life and safe communities. It is absolutely the federal government's role to use taxpayer dollars to fund the programs and resources a society needs to live a dignified life, such as universal child care.
The U.S. should prioritize the well-being of everyday people. Elected officials should prioritize their voters' needs. People’s lives are more important than U.S. military dominance. We say “Absolutely No!” to 1.5 trillion defense spending.
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Alianza Americas is a transnational network of migrant-led organizations in the United States. We advocate for social justice, equity, and human rights in the Americas.
