President Trump’s proposed fiscal 2020 budget has been modified to include $18 million in funding for the Special Olympics.
A tweet Monday evening cements a complete reversal from the Trump administration, which had proposed to cut all federal funding earlier this year.
“Today, I officially updated my budget to include $18 million for our GREAT @SpecialOlympics, whose athletes inspire us and make our Nation so PROUD!” Trump tweeted.
Today, I officially updated my budget to include $18 million for our GREAT @SpecialOlympics, whose athletes inspire us and make our Nation so PROUD!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2019
Trump also tweeted that the space program would get a big boost in funding in his revised budget proposal.
Under my Administration, we are restoring @NASA to greatness and we are going back to the Moon, then Mars. I am updating my budget to include an additional $1.6 billion so that we can return to Space in a BIG WAY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2019
[Opinion: Trump administration proposal to cut Special Olympics funding may be unpopular, but it’s right]
Congress will have the final say on the budget and rarely adheres to all an administration proposes.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos faced fierce backlash from lawmakers in March for the Trump’s administration’s suggestion to cut $17.6 million for the Special Olympics. Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee of California said the proposal was “appalling.”
DeVos defended the proposal in a House Appropriations Committee. “We had to make some difficult decisions with this budget,” she said.
As the criticism grew, Trump signaled he would override DeVos’ planned cuts. “The Special Olympics will be funded. I just told my people I want to fund the Special Olympics,” Trump told reporters in March.
The Special Olympics provides sports training and competitions for those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
