The GOP’s Next Political Liability: Trump’s Proposed Cuts to  Program That Helps Low-Income Families Keep the Lights On

Trump’s budget calls for roughly $4 billion in federal funding cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Families are already paying hundreds more every day thanks to Trump’s war of choice, and reporting shows that fuel prices will likely keep rising for months

WASHINGTON, DC – Late last week, Trump released his proposed budget, and the contents make one thing clear — in his ideal world, he pays for his reckless agenda by cutting the programs that the American people rely on. Trump’s budget is (for the sixth time) calling for billions of dollars to be cut from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, this time to the tune of nearly $4 billion. All the while, his war of choice is forcing Americans to pay hundreds of millions more at the pump each day. The message to hardworking families is obvious: Less help for you, more money for utility, oil, and gas companies. 

Nearly 6 million households nationwide rely on LIHEAP to help keep heaters and air conditioners powered on. And if Republicans heed Trump’s advice, they know they would be walking into yet another political liability thanks to Trump. Let’s take a look at the impacts these cuts would have in battleground states:

• IOWA 
  • Iowa received $58.6 million in LIHEAP funding in fiscal year 2025 and $52.9 million for fiscal year 2026.
  • REMINDER: In fiscal year 2024, Iowa received more than $61 million in LIHEAP funding, which served 83,360 households.
• MICHIGAN
  • Michigan received $183.5 million in LIHEAP funding in fiscal year 2025 and $164.7 million for fiscal year 2026.
  • REMINDER: In fiscal year 2024, Michigan received more than $207 million in LIHEAP funding, which served 435,260 households.
• NORTH CAROLINA
  • North Carolina received $108.4 million in LIHEAP funding in fiscal year 2025 and $94.6 million in fiscal year 2026.
  • REMINDER: In fiscal year 2024, North Carolina received more than $122 million in LIHEAP funding, which served 204,033 households.
• PENNSYLVANIA
  • Pennsylvania received $229.5 million in LIHEAP funding in fiscal year 2025 and $208.5 million for fiscal year 2026.
  • REMINDER: In fiscal year 2024, Pennsylvania received more than $230 million in LIHEAP funding, which served 302,879 households.
• ARIZONA
  • Arizona received $33.9 million in LIHEAP funding in fiscal year 2025 and $31.8 million for fiscal year 2026.
  • REMINDER: In fiscal year 2024, Arizona received $36.6 million in LIHEAP funding, which served 37,554 households.
• WISCONSIN
  • Wisconsin received $112.4 million in LIHEAP funding in fiscal year 2025 and $101.5 million for fiscal year 2026.
  • REMINDER: In fiscal year 2024, Wisconsin received more than $121 million in LIHEAP funding, which served 189,256 households.