Final answer:
When the president said he had to face "very difficult choices" when creating a federal budget, he was referring to the decisions on funding and cutting spending.
Step-by-step explanation:
The president meant that he had to make difficult decisions when creating the federal budget. This includes deciding what would be funded and what would be cut. It also involves prioritizing spending and making choices that would impact the country's financial stability and future.
Learn more about Federal budget decision-making