President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget seeks a significant reduction in funding for the Indian Health Service, cutting the agency’s budget by 30%. The plan would roll back funding to $4.6 billion, down from $6.9 billion in FY 2023, according to a White House budget document.
Oklahoma has more than 20 IHS healthcare facilities spread from Lawton to Pawnee.
The proposed cuts would affect essential services provided to 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, including hospitals, clinics and preventive care. Trump’s plan also eliminates the IHS transition to mandatory funding, reverting it to discretionary status and subject to annual appropriations.
The National Indian Health Board and the National Congress of American Indians voiced opposition, calling the proposed budget deeply concerning and dangerous. Tribal leaders warn that the cuts would widen existing health disparities and strain already underfunded programs.
The budget still needs to pass through Congress, where it is likely to face resistance from both Democrats and Republicans, who have historically supported increased funding for Native American health services. The FY 2026 proposal serves as a starting point in broader budget negotiations.
