The White House is seeking roughly $1.5 trillion for defense as part of a fiscal 2027 budget request — a proposal that would boost military spending to its highest point in modern history as the Trump administration wages its war with Iran.
The blueprint released Friday — a largely symbolic reflection of the president’s priorities — would increase the government’s defense spending by more than 40% compared to last year. It aims to bolster munitions and build out the US naval fleet while also beginning construction on President Donald Trump’s planned “Golden Dome” missile defense system. It would also provide hefty raises of between 5% and 7% for all military personnel to help with recruitment and retention.
Of the $445 billion that the administration wants to add to the defense budget, the White House is proposing that $350 billion of it be passed as part of forthcoming legislation that Republicans are planning to pass using a maneuver that requires only a majority vote in the Senate — and therefore would not need Democratic support.
The historic defense spending levels come amid the ongoing war with Iran, signaling little interest within the White House to shift attention and resources elsewhere, despite Trump’s repeated assurance that he plans to wind down the fighting in the Middle East within weeks.
The budget proposals for other agencies also reflect the administration’s interest in bolstering the nation’s defense systems.
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