By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet were on Capitol Hill Tuesday to testify and outline their funding portions of the President’s 2026 budget request.
In addition to funding questions, Democratic lawmakers grilled the Cabinet members on some of President Trump’s most contentious policies.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed pressing concerns over trade policies and relations with China, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took heat from Democrats over President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
On the economy, Bessent defended the administration’s approach, while pointing to stronger-than-expected job growth in April.
“Do you believe we’re in a recession now?” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the ranking member of the subcommittee, asked Bessent.
“Congressman, I believe in data and there is nothing in the data that shows that we are in a recession. As a matter of fact, the jobs report has surprised to the upside,” Bessent replied.
The Treasury Secretary told members of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee that more trade deals are imminent.
“Perhaps as early as this week, we will be announcing trade deals with some of our largest trading partners,” said Bessent.
However, despite recent comments from President Trump suggesting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has “called” him, Bessent told lawmakers: “China, we have not engaged in negotiations with as of yet.”
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was pushed by Democrats on the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee over the administration’s immigration policies, including deportations.
“This administration is not just ignoring the constitutional power of the people’s elected representatives, it is also violating the fundamental rights of individuals,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL).
Democrats pressed Noem over the administration withholding federal funds appropriated by Congress.
“Congress controls the power of the purse. That is a fact,” said Underwood.
Secretary Noem took time to push for funding to help enforce immigration laws and build off of progress at the southern border.
“We’ve delivered the most secure border in American history. At the southern border, we have obtained near-total control, with daily encounters now down over 93% since President Trump took office,” said Noem.
It’s now been over 100 days of non-stop action and executive orders from the White House, and with no power in Washington, Democrats have been forced to watch from the sidelines. The budget hearings will provide Democrats the first opportunity to publicly cross-examine the highest members of President Trump’s Cabinet over their respective agency’s policies and directives.
