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Donald Trump on Friday proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027 — a 42% increase that would mark one of the largest military spending surges in modern U.S. history — while seeking steep cuts to domestic programs.
The 92-page proposal, released by the White House, outlines a sweeping shift in federal priorities, boosting military funding as the United States continues to spend billions on the war with Iran and preparing for a supplemental request to cover those costs.
Historic defense increase
The proposed defense budget would surpass spending levels seen during the Ronald Reagan military buildup of the 1980s and approach increases not seen since the lead-up to World War II, according to a White House summary.
The funding would support:
- A 5% to 7% pay raise for U.S. troops
- $65.8 billion for new naval ships
- Replenishment of munitions depleted in the Iran conflict
- Development of a “Golden Dome” space-based missile defense system
Administration officials said the increase reflects what they described as a heightened global threat environment and the need to restore military readiness.
Domestic cuts and shift to states
Alongside the defense boost, the administration is proposing a $73 billion reduction in nondefense spending — roughly 10% — by eliminating or scaling back a range of federal programs.
The White House said the cuts target what it described as “wasteful” or duplicative initiatives while shifting greater responsibility to state and local governments.
That approach aligns with Trump’s recent comments that the federal government should focus primarily on national defense, leaving programs such as child care and health services to the states.
Programs targeted for reductions
The proposal includes significant cuts across health, immigration and research programs:
- $5 billion reduction for the National Institutes of Health
- $356 million cut to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response
- $768 million reduction in refugee resettlement funding
- $819 million cut to programs for unaccompanied migrant children
The budget also proposes trimming $52 million from the Transportation Security Administration by expanding privatized screening at smaller airports.
Targeting Justice Department programs
The administration said it would reduce funding for the U.S. Department of Justice by eliminating nearly 30 grant programs it argues are ineffective or politically motivated.
At the same time, the proposal includes $605 million to support National Guard mobilizations in Washington, D.C., and $481 million to hire additional air traffic controllers and improve aviation safety.
War spending driving priorities
The proposed defense surge comes as the U.S. military continues operations tied to the Iran conflict, which has already required billions in emergency funding.
Officials say depleted weapons stockpiles and expanded operational demands are key drivers behind the increase, with an additional supplemental funding request expected from the White House.
Political and legislative outlook
The president’s budget request serves as a starting point for negotiations with Congress, which ultimately determines federal spending levels.
Lawmakers often significantly revise presidential proposals, and the scale of the defense increase — coupled with domestic cuts — is likely to face scrutiny from both parties.
Democrats have already criticized the administration’s priorities, arguing that shifting costs to states could strain local budgets and reduce access to essential services.
Broader fiscal vision
Trump has framed the budget as part of a broader effort to redefine the federal government’s role, emphasizing national defense while scaling back domestic responsibilities.
“The United States can’t take care of daycare … we have to take care of one thing — military protection,” Trump said earlier this week.
The proposal underscores a “guns over butter” approach to federal spending, prioritizing military strength over social investment — a shift that could reshape the nation’s fiscal landscape if enacted.
