Trump seeks $1.5T defense budget, largest since Korean War
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has proposed a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, the largest request in decades. The proposal, which is nearly a 44% increase from this fiscal year's spending, comes as the Middle East war enters its sixth week. The budget focuses on military investments rather than domestic programs. The Trump administration also seeks an additional $200 billion emergency fund to support the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Military focus
Proposed budget includes funding for Trump's missile defense system
The proposed budget includes funding for Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system, critical minerals investments, shipbuilding, and troop salary increases. It also aims to maintain the US's position as the world's most powerful military through expanding defense manufacturing and a space-based weapons system. If approved, this budget would be about 4.5% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), making it the largest year-over-year increase since the Korean War when adjusted for inflation.
Global comparison
US military spending has increased significantly over the years
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports that US military spending has skyrocketed from about $320 billion in 2000 to $997 billion in 2024. According to the Peter G Peterson Foundation, the US spends more on its military than the next nine countries combined. In 2024, World Population Review data shows that the US had a total military spending of $968 billion, far ahead of China ($317 billion) and Russia ($150 billion).
Domestic impact
Proposed cuts to domestic programs
Along with the defense budget, Trump has proposed $73 billion in cuts to domestic programs. These include slashing key federal health, housing, and education initiatives that benefit minority groups and the poor. The president's plan would also reduce non-defense program spending by 10%. Other proposed cuts include a 13% increase in funding for the Department of Justice, a $10 billion fund for National Park Service projects in Washington, DC, and more than $15 billion from Biden-era infrastructure law funds.