Government spending stories

Sep 17, 2026

France announces €54 billion spending cuts to reduce deficit ahead of 2027 election

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled plans to cut public spending by €54 billion in the 2027 budget to control the country's spiraling fiscal deficit after missing targets in 2026. The announcement comes seven months before presidential elections and amid growing protests over high fuel prices, setting up a potential parliamentary battle that could threaten the government's stability.

Sep 17, 20266 sources

Sep 15, 2026

Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025 under DOGE plan

The Trump administration spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers in 2025 as part of its deferred resignation program to shrink the government, according to a new Government Accountability Office estimate.

Sep 15, 20267 sources

Sep 9, 2026

Trump administration announces $500 Obamacare rebates for nearly 1 million people before midterm elections

The Trump administration announced it will send $500 payments to nearly 1 million Americans enrolled in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, describing them as refunds for overcharges. The payments are scheduled for October, just weeks before the midterm elections, raising questions about the legal authority and political timing of the rebates.

Sep 9, 20269 sources

Aug 19, 2026

US national debt surpasses $40 trillion for first time

Total US public debt exceeded $40 trillion for the first time, having doubled in less than a decade, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability as government spending continues to outpace revenue.

Aug 19, 20268 sources

Aug 12, 2026

US budget deficit hits July record of $432 billion as tariff refunds drain revenue

The U.S. federal budget deficit reached a record $432 billion in July 2026, driven by increased spending and negative tariff revenues from refund payments. The fiscal year-to-date deficit has climbed to $1.799 trillion, already exceeding the full 2025 fiscal year total with two months remaining, as the Congressional Budget Office confirms tariffs are creating a $200 billion hole in the budget.

Aug 12, 20265 sources

Aug 11, 2026

Federal deficit projected to reach $2.1 trillion, $200 billion higher than CBO's February estimate

The Congressional Budget Office revised its fiscal year 2026 deficit projection upward by $200 billion to $2.1 trillion in its monthly budget review released Monday, significantly higher than its February forecast.

Aug 11, 20261 source

Aug 7, 2026

Federal Appeals Court Halts Trump's $400 Million White House Ballroom Construction, Setting Up Supreme Court Battle

A federal appeals court ruled in a 2-1 decision that President Donald Trump's administration must stop construction of a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom because Congress has not approved the $400 million project. Trump announced he will immediately appeal to the Supreme Court.

Aug 7, 20268 sources

Jul 13, 2026

Reform UK proposes £100m security plan for all MPs following Ann Widdecombe murder

Reform UK has called for round-the-clock protection for all 650 MPs at an estimated cost of £100 million following the murder of party member Ann Widdecombe. The proposal has sparked political controversy, with Conservatives accusing party leader Nigel Farage of exploiting security concerns.

Jul 13, 20266 sources

Jun 16, 2026

White House Ballroom Project Costs Balloon to $600 Million, Taxpayers to Pay Half

President Trump's White House ballroom construction costs have spiraled to $600 million, with taxpayers footing roughly half the bill according to financial records obtained by The Washington Post—significantly more than previously disclosed.

Jun 16, 20263 sources

Jun 12, 2026

Indonesian students protest government spending and fuel price hikes amid economic strain

Hundreds to thousands of Indonesian students rallied in Jakarta on Friday to protest President Prabowo Subianto's spending priorities, recent gasoline price increases, and what they describe as wasteful welfare programs. Demonstrators warned of potential economic crisis and demanded lower fuel and food prices.

Jun 12, 20264 sources

May 17, 2026

Senate Parliamentarian Blocks Trump Ballroom Security Funding Request

The Senate parliamentarian ruled against provisions in Trump's request for federal funding for ballroom security at his properties, creating obstacles for the administration's efforts to secure taxpayer dollars for presidential venue protection.

May 17, 20261 source

May 16, 2026

Trump Administration Proposes $1 Billion White House East Wing Security Funding

The White House is requesting $1 billion in security-related funding tied to transforming the East Wing into a massive ballroom, sparking debate among House Republicans over the appropriateness and necessity of the expenditure.

May 16, 20264 sources