Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Onana at fault twice as Man United draws 2-2 at Lyon, Tottenham held at home, Chelsea stays perfect

News

Onana at fault twice as Man United draws 2-2 at Lyon, Tottenham held at home, Chelsea stays perfect
News

News

Onana at fault twice as Man United draws 2-2 at Lyon, Tottenham held at home, Chelsea stays perfect

2025-04-11 06:09 Last Updated At:06:12

Andre Onana, described by Nemanja Matic as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history”, was at fault for both goals as his side drew 2-2 at Lyon in a Europa League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday.

Former United midfielder Matic, now a player with Lyon, made the less than flattering comments about Onana in a pre-game press conference.

More Images
Tottenham's head coach Ange Postecoglou speaks to the players during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Tottenham's head coach Ange Postecoglou speaks to the players during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's Arthur Theate, center, clears the ball before Tottenham's Brennan Johnson, background, can reach it during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's Arthur Theate, center, clears the ball before Tottenham's Brennan Johnson, background, can reach it during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet, center, heads the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet, center, heads the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Rangers' Dujon Sterling reacts following an injury during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Rangers' Dujon Sterling reacts following an injury during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Rangers' Bailey Rice is carried off on a stretcher, during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Rangers' Bailey Rice is carried off on a stretcher, during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora scores his side's second goal from a penalty kick during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinal soccer match between Celje and Fiorentina in Celje, Slovenia, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)

Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora scores his side's second goal from a penalty kick during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinal soccer match between Celje and Fiorentina in Celje, Slovenia, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)

Lyon's goalkeeper Lucas Perri reacts after Rayan Cherki scored his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's goalkeeper Lucas Perri reacts after Rayan Cherki scored his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, centre back to the camera, scores his side's second goal past Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, centre back to the camera, scores his side's second goal past Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Legia's fans use flares during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia's fans use flares during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea's Malo Gusto, center, jumps for the ball during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea's Malo Gusto, center, jumps for the ball during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea players celebrate a goal against Legia during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea players celebrate a goal against Legia during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Bodø/Glimt's Ole Didrik Blomberg, right, and Lazio's goalkeeper Christos Mandas react during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ole Didrik Blomberg, right, and Lazio's goalkeeper Christos Mandas react during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches the ball cross the goal line after Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches the ball cross the goal line after Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos makes a save during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos makes a save during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches a shot from Tottenham's Pedro Porro hit the bar during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches a shot from Tottenham's Pedro Porro hit the bar during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Tottenham's Pedro Porro celebrates with James Maddison after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Tottenham's Pedro Porro celebrates with James Maddison after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Manchester United's Casemiro, centre, challenges for the ball with Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico, centre left, and Moussa Niakhate, centre right, as Lyon's Thiago Almada, not in the picture, scores the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Casemiro, centre, challenges for the ball with Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico, centre left, and Moussa Niakhate, centre right, as Lyon's Thiago Almada, not in the picture, scores the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Corentin Tolisso, centre right, reacts during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Corentin Tolisso, centre right, reacts during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, left, celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, left, celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Then, in the match itself, United went 1-0 down after 25 minutes when Onana failed to stop a curling free-kick from out wide by Thiago Almada.

Leny Yoro equalized for the visiting team in first-half stoppage time, with a header after goalkeeper Lucas Perri had cleared a Bruno Fernandes free-kick.

Fernandes then sent a precise cross for substitute Joshua Zirkzee to head what seemed to be the winner in the 88th minute.

But Rayan Cherki hit back for Lyon when he pounced on the rebound after Cameroon international Onana had spilled an effort from Georges Mikautadze.

“I think this is the worst moment to concede a goal like that," Yoro told TNT Sports. “We were winning 2-1. I think away this was a good score, but we go with a draw and we try to win the game at home.”

United remains the only side unbeaten in the competition this season.

Winning the Europa League, as United did in 2017, is rewarded with a spot in the Champions League, something the club is highly unlikely to achieve through its current 13th-place position in the Premier League.

Tottenham, also bidding to rescue a dismal Premier League campaign, hit back to salvage a 1-1 home draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Tottenham went 1-0 down when Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké scored following a fast counterattack in the sixth minute.

The hosts then drew level with a goal from Pedro Porro in the 26th after he met a cross from James Maddison.

“I can’t ask any more of the lads,” said Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou. “It was disappointing to concede the way we did.”

Ulrik Saltnes struck twice as Bodø/Glimt stunned Lazio 2-0 in tough conditions just inside the Arctic Circle.

Earlier, heavy snowfall in Bodø put the game in doubt between the Norwegian champion and the side that had finished top in the league phase.

In a game played on an artificial pitch, Saltnes scored early in the second half with a low shot after Ole Didrik Blomberg fed him inside the area.

The midfielder then added his second goal by lobbing the ball over Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas, with Alessio Romagnoli's clearance coming after it crossed the line.

Ten-man Rangers and Athletic Bilbao shared a goalless draw in Glasgow, after the home side was reduced to 10 men in the 13th minute when defender Robin Pröpper brought down Iñaki Williams and was dismissed.

Alex Berenguer also missed a late penalty for Athletic.

All the second legs are next Thursday.

Chelsea is still cruising in the Europa Conference League after keeping its perfect record with a 3-0 win at Legia Warsaw.

Following a dull first half, Chelsea struck twice early in the second period and then added another goal.

Tyrique George netted the first in the 49th on a rebound, his first goal for the club, while second-half substitute Noni Madueke scored with a left-foot shot eight minutes later. It could have been three but Christopher Nkunku had his spot kick saved.

Madueke made it 3-0 from close range in the 74th.

In the other quarterfinal, first-leg games, Fiorentina won 2-1 at Celje, Real Betis beat Jagiellonia 2-0 and Rapid Vienna downed Djurgården 1-0.

All the second legs are next Thursday.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Tottenham's head coach Ange Postecoglou speaks to the players during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Tottenham's head coach Ange Postecoglou speaks to the players during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's Arthur Theate, center, clears the ball before Tottenham's Brennan Johnson, background, can reach it during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's Arthur Theate, center, clears the ball before Tottenham's Brennan Johnson, background, can reach it during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet, center, heads the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet, center, heads the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Rangers' Dujon Sterling reacts following an injury during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Rangers' Dujon Sterling reacts following an injury during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Rangers' Bailey Rice is carried off on a stretcher, during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Rangers' Bailey Rice is carried off on a stretcher, during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, first leg soccer match between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday April 10, 2025. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora scores his side's second goal from a penalty kick during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinal soccer match between Celje and Fiorentina in Celje, Slovenia, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)

Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora scores his side's second goal from a penalty kick during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinal soccer match between Celje and Fiorentina in Celje, Slovenia, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)

Lyon's goalkeeper Lucas Perri reacts after Rayan Cherki scored his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's goalkeeper Lucas Perri reacts after Rayan Cherki scored his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, centre back to the camera, scores his side's second goal past Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, centre back to the camera, scores his side's second goal past Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Rayan Cherki, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Legia's fans use flares during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia's fans use flares during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea's Malo Gusto, center, jumps for the ball during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea's Malo Gusto, center, jumps for the ball during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea players celebrate a goal against Legia during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Chelsea players celebrate a goal against Legia during the Europa Conference League first-leg quarterfinals soccer match between Legia Warszawa and Chelsea at the Marshall Jozef Pilsudski's Municipal stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Bodø/Glimt's Ole Didrik Blomberg, right, and Lazio's goalkeeper Christos Mandas react during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Ole Didrik Blomberg, right, and Lazio's goalkeeper Christos Mandas react during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Lazio at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches the ball cross the goal line after Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches the ball cross the goal line after Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos makes a save during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos makes a save during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches a shot from Tottenham's Pedro Porro hit the bar during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos watches a shot from Tottenham's Pedro Porro hit the bar during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Tottenham's Pedro Porro celebrates with James Maddison after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Tottenham's Pedro Porro celebrates with James Maddison after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Manchester United's Casemiro, centre, challenges for the ball with Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico, centre left, and Moussa Niakhate, centre right, as Lyon's Thiago Almada, not in the picture, scores the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Casemiro, centre, challenges for the ball with Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico, centre left, and Moussa Niakhate, centre right, as Lyon's Thiago Almada, not in the picture, scores the opening goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Corentin Tolisso, centre right, reacts during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Lyon's Corentin Tolisso, centre right, reacts during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, left, celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, left, celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring his side's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Lyon and Manchester United at Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Next Article

The White House seeks sharp spending cuts in Trump's 2026 budget plan

2025-05-03 06:36 Last Updated At:06:40

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House released President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal Friday, hoping to slash, if not zero out, spending on many government programs. It seeks a sweeping restructuring of the nation’s domestic priorities, reflective of the president’s first 100 days in office and sudden firing of federal workers.

Trump's plan aims for steep cuts to child care, disease research, renewable energy and peacekeeping abroad, many already underway through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, all while pumping up billions for the administration's mass deportation agenda.

The budget drafters echo Trump’s promises to end “woke programs,” including preschool grants to states with diversity programs. And they reflect his vow to stop the “weaponization of government” by slashing the Internal Revenue Service, even as critics accuse him of using the levers of power to punish people and institutions he disfavors

Overall, it’s a sizable reduction in domestic accounts — some $163 billion, or 22.6% below current year spending, the White House said.

At the same time, the White House said it is relying on Congress to unleash $375 billion in new money for for the Homeland Security and Defense departments as part of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” of tax cuts and spending reductions. His goal is to repel when he calls a “foreign invasion," though migrant arrivals to the U.S. are at all-time lows.

House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the proposal as “a bold blueprint that reflects the values of hardworking Americans and the commitment to American strength and prosperity.”

Budgets do not become law, but serve as a touchstone for the coming fiscal year debates. Often considered a statement of values, this first budget since Trump's return to the White House carries the added weight of defining the Republican president's second-term pursuits, alongside his party in Congress.

It comes as Trump has unilaterally imposed what could be hundreds of billions of dollars in tax increases in the form of tariffs, setting off a trade war that has consumers, CEOs and foreign leaders worried about a possible economic downturn.

Democrats assailed the budget as a devastating foreshadowing of Trump's vision for the country.

“President Trump has made his priorities clear as day: he wants to outright defund programs that help working Americans," said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. This, she said, “while he shovels massive tax breaks at billionaires like himself and raises taxes on middle-class Americans with his reckless tariffs.”

The White House Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russell Vought, a chief architect of Project 2025 from the conservative Heritage Foundation, provided contours of a so-called skinny version of topline numbers only.

It covers only the federal government's discretionary spending, now about $1.83 trillion a year on defense and nondefense accounts. Trump's team drops that spending by $163 billion, to $1.69 trillion, a portion of the nation's nearly $7 trillion budget that includes far more programs and services.

Federal budgets have been climbing steadily, as have annual deficits that are fast approaching $2 trillion with annual interest payments on the debt almost $1 trillion. That’s thanks mostly to the spike in emergency COVID-19 pandemic spending, changes in the tax code that reduced revenues and the climbing costs of Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, largely to cover health needs as people age. The nation’s debt load, at $36 trillion, is ballooning.

“We need a budget that tells the full story, and it should control spending, reduce borrowing, bring deficits down,” said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a fiscal watchdog group.

Among some of the White House's proposed highlights:

The State Department and international programs would lose 84% of their money and receive $9.6 billion, reflecting deep cuts already underway, including to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The Health and Human Services Department would be cut by $33.3 billion and the Education Department’s spending would be reduced by $12 billion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health would all face steep reductions.

The Defense Department would get an additional $113.3 billion and Homeland Security would receive $42.3 billion more. Much of that is contingent on Congress approving Trump's big bill. That approach drew criticism from leading defense hawks, among them the former GOP Leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

McConnell called the proposed boost in defense money in the president's budget a “gimmick."

“America cannot expect our allies to heed calls for greater annual defense spending if we are unwilling to lead by example," McConnell said in a blistering statement. "Fortunately, Presidential budget requests are just that: requests. Congress will soon have an opportunity to ensure that American power – and the credibility of our commitments – are appropriately resourced."

It's Congress, under its constitutional powers, that decides the spending plans, approves the bills that authorize federal programs and funds them through the appropriations process. Often, that system breaks down, forcing lawmakers to pass stopgap spending bills to keep the government funded and avoid federal shutdowns.

Congress is already deep into the slog of drafting of Trump’s big bill of tax breaks, spending cuts and bolstered funds for the administration’s mass deportation effort — a package that, unlike the budget plan, would carry the force of law.

Vought is also expected on Capitol Hill in the weeks ahead as the Trump administration presses its case.

Among the more skilled conservative budget hands in Washington, Vought has charted a career toward this moment. He served during the first Trump administration in the same role and, for Project 2025, wrote an extensive chapter about the remaking of the federal government.

Vought has separately been preparing a $9 billion package that would gut current 2025 funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which involves the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio. Trump signed an executive order late Thursday that instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and federal agencies to cease funding for PBS and NPR.

Vought has said that a package of so-called budget rescissions would be a first of potentially more, as the Trump administration tests the appetite in Congress for lawmakers to go on record and vote to roll back the money.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the administration is proposing to cut the Health and Human Services budget by $33.3 billion, not $33.3 trillion.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks as President Donald Trump, right, listens during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks as President Donald Trump, right, listens during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of N.Y., second from right, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of N.Y., right, arrive with other House and Senate Democrats for an event to mark 100 days of President Donald Trump's term on the steps of the Senate on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of N.Y., second from right, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of N.Y., right, arrive with other House and Senate Democrats for an event to mark 100 days of President Donald Trump's term on the steps of the Senate on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

FILE - President Donald Trump listens as acting director of the Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought speaks during an event on "transparency in Federal guidance and enforcement" in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 9, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - President Donald Trump listens as acting director of the Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought speaks during an event on "transparency in Federal guidance and enforcement" in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 9, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Recommended Articles
Hot · Posts