Trump's budget proposal - some key things to remember

First - this is simply his first offer
Normally a budget has a few key newsworthy elements of increase or decrease. These do signify intent or focus. Trump's proposal is a ridiculous lowball offer that cements him personally as an asshole. In a vast majority of settings (from yard sales to board rooms) this kind of initial offer would end the discussion as one party is clearly not serious or competent. Trump (it's in his book) really thinks he came up with the idea of asking for more than you really want. You can't negotiate from the point he's starting with here though.

Second - in MY district?!?!?
We're going to see how much House Republicans really believe their "Less (or No) government dogma. Cuts are fine but not the new wing of a library or hospital or paving etc. not just because they want the community to know that they got them done but also because local businesses are going to get a part of these projects. Whether the contractors are donors or not, money in is money in. Long term Congressmen are known to have their name on as many streets, VA centers, and anything else that is highly visible.

Third - economics
People are about to find out what a "mixed economy" is and how much the Federal Govt. actually does in their area. Yes there will be a massive disinformation attack in the media.

Fourth - I live here
This is tied to #2. Representatives are going to have a hard time explaining cuts, let alone, ending Meals on Wheels* and my Bubba friends are already up in arms about cuts to funding for the Chesapeake Bay. Environmental issue are very "Bubbas to Berkinstocks" - it crosses more lines than people realize.


This is his first offer and it's a bad one.
It will give cover for huge moves of funding buried in the details.
The social program cuts could be Trump signaling to the conservative church crowd that all that was could someday be coming their way. This could negate some of point #2 with the bound and determined evangelical Republican crowd and bring their support.


I'm just keeping these things in mind as I'm seeing each headline.

*it won't. MoW gets about 3.3% of its funding from the Fedral Govt.