White House Proposes 12% Cut to HHS in 2027 Budget
- The Trump administration has proposed a significant reduction in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the federal budget for fiscal year...
- The White House is requesting $111.1 billion in discretionary funding for the HHS.
- A primary target of these reductions is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which serves as the largest public funder of biomedical research globally.
The Trump administration has proposed a significant reduction in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the federal budget for fiscal year 2027. Released on April 3, 2026, the proposal seeks to cut discretionary funding for the agency by 12.5%.
The White House is requesting $111.1 billion in discretionary funding for the HHS. This represents a decrease of $15.8 billion compared to the enacted budget for fiscal year 2026.
Impact on Biomedical Research and Health Agencies
A primary target of these reductions is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which serves as the largest public funder of biomedical research globally. The budget proposal suggests the NIH receive $41 billion, which would be a $5 billion decrease in funding.
The broader budget strategy involves a 10% cut to non-defense spending across the entire federal government. This approach is intended to constrain non-defense spending and reform the federal government, according to Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Proposed Organizational Changes
Beyond funding cuts, the administration is proposing structural changes to how federal health services are managed. The budget includes the elimination of a health research agency and the establishment of a new entity called the Administration for a Healthy America, which would be devoted to chronic diseases.
These proposals align with a broader agenda that includes investments in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, while simultaneously reducing the footprint of existing federal health agencies.
Legislative Process and Precedent
While the White House releases these budget requests to set an agenda and signal administration priorities, the final allocation of funds is determined by Congress. Lawmakers are responsible for passing the laws that officially set federal spending levels.
There is historical precedent for Congress diverging from these requests. The Trump administration attempted to reduce funding for healthcare programs in the previous year, but lawmakers ultimately increased the budget for the HHS instead.
Contrast in Federal Spending Priorities
The proposed cuts to health and human services contrast sharply with the administration’s requests for national defense. While non-defense spending is being constrained, the Department of Defense is slated for a 44% increase in funding.
This shift would bring the discretionary funding for the Department of Defense to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027.
Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget
The 2027 Budget builds on the President’s vision by continuing to constrain non-defense spending and reform the Federal Government