Proposal could amount to over $20 billion in cuts to children, according to estimates
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2025 — In response to today’s release of President Trump’s proposed budget, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley issued the following statement:
President Trump’s budget proposal represents a continuation of a never-ending accumulation of disproportionate and targeted actions aimed at harming kids. This proposal seeks massive funding reductions, which could amount to over $20 billion in cuts to crucial programs that children and families depend on, according to our preliminary estimates.
Until a more detailed budget request is provided, however, the full extent of cuts this Administration hopes to make to children’s programs remains unconfirmed. We are horrified by the blatant attack on kids through the proposed elimination of numerous programs as well as steep cuts to many others. In addition to this budget proposal, we have also warned that proposals the Administration has endorsed over the past few months would decimate Head Start, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and SNAP. We have reason to believe that the Administration’s intended cuts are far greater than what they have included in this outline.
What is clear is that these short-sighted cuts would be devastating for children and families across the nation.
We call on Congress to reject these proposals and pass a budget that prioritizes children and helps make life more affordable for families. When we undermine our children, we undermine the nation itself.