Hm. This is nearly a meaningless stat unless President Trump is able to make some progress in reducing the national debt. When I see that happening, I will really celebrate the winning.
Note to the President: For the next three years, tell Congress they cannot spend more than the following:
2018: $3.9 trillion
2019: $3.8 trillion
2020: $3.7 trillion
If they come in with a budget of $0.01 more than your limits, do a Ronald Reagan: “This budget is dead on arrival.”
So use your veto pen! (Unlike George Bush.)
There are Budget numbers.
There are Appropriation numbers. Many big appropriations are Off Budget, which makes the Budget numbers meaningless.
There are government spending numbers. Some agencies actually spend more than is appropriated, which is unconstitutional but happens. Some agencies actually spend less than appropriated and/or less than budgeted. Note how these agencies go on a mass spending spree in September of each year so they are not left with a surplus, which is a sign of embarrassment and incompetence within the bureaucracy and not the path to promotion.