Trump Allies Plan Major Federal Spending Cuts Post‑Election

Senate conservatives, closely aligned with President Trump, are preparing to push significant federal spending cuts in the post‑election lame‑duck Congress, according to an announcement by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑S.D.) on Tuesday. The move is aimed at offsetting the tens of billions of dollars slated for new defense spending, which includes additional funding for U.S. operations in Iran. Thune said the cuts would be enacted if Democrats gain seats on Election Day, thereby shifting the Senate’s balance of power.

The proposed reductions would target a broad range of discretionary programs, with the goal of balancing the budget and curbing the federal deficit. Analysts note that the timing—just before the new Congress convenes—could give Republican lawmakers a decisive role in shaping fiscal policy, while Democrats would face a more constrained budget environment. The plan reflects the ongoing partisan debate over defense spending priorities and the broader fiscal agenda for the next congressional term.