GOP senator: Trump budget 'dead on arrival'

Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamGraham: Trump's Supreme Court picks 'all winners' Trump says he's close to making final Supreme Court decision Supreme Court talk dominates Sunday shows as Trump nears decision MORE (R-S.C.) said Tuesday that President Trump’s first budget was “dead on arrival” and wouldn’t make it through Congress.

“It's not going to happen,” said Graham, according to NBC News. “It would be a disaster."

Graham, a frequent Trump critic, expressed concerns with Trump’s proposed cuts to the State Department budget, especially the targeting of foreign aid.

 

Sen. Graham on Trump budget proposal for State Dept. budget cut: "It's dead on arrival. It's not going to happen. It would be a disaster." pic.twitter.com/EeRNr6Gcmy

— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) February 28, 2017

 

Trump will propose $54 billion in cuts to fund an equivalent boost in defense spending, White House officials said Monday. The administration will make massive cuts from the Environmental Protection Agency and State Department, even though both of their budgets combined barely come close to the Trump’s proposed defense hike.

Graham said significant State Department cuts would endanger American Foreign Service officers.

"A budget this lean would put those who serve overseas for the State Department at risk,” said Graham. “And it's not going to happen."

Trump’s first budget proposal, slated to be released March 16, lacks key details but is already stoking bipartisan concern.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee members in both parties have spoken out against Trump’s proposed foreign aid cuts, defending the necessity of funding development projects in needy nations.

“Foreign Aid is not charity,” tweeted Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioOvernight Energy: Pruitt gone, but investigations remain | Interim EPA chief called Trump a 'bully' in 2016 | Court rules for greens in air pollution case Interim EPA chief called Trump a ‘bully’ during campaign Free speech means a free internet — even if Democrats don't like it MORE (R-Fla.). “We must make sure it is well spent, but it is less than 1% of budget & critical to our national security.

“The aid we provide to countries around the world directly advances U.S. national interests by fostering a safer and more stable world,” said Sen. Christopher CoonsChristopher (Chris) Andrew CoonsSunday shows preview: Washington braces for Trump's Supreme Court pick America stands to lose as China places bets on developing world Dem senator to introduce anti-discrimination bill after Supreme Court upholds travel ban MORE (D-Del.)