United States President Donald Trump has proposed a $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, marking the largest military spending request in decades as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate.
The proposal represents a sharp increase of about 44 per cent from current spending levels and is heavily focused on strengthening military capabilities rather than expanding domestic programmes.
It also includes an additional $200 billion emergency fund to support ongoing US-Israel operations linked to the war involving Iran.
A significant portion of the budget is earmarked for advanced military investments, including the administration’s “Golden Dome” missile defence system, expansion of shipbuilding, critical minerals development, and improved salaries for troops.
Plans also include boosting defence manufacturing and advancing space-based weapons systems to maintain US global military dominance.
If approved, the budget would account for roughly 4.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, making it the largest year-on-year increase in defence spending since the Korean War when adjusted for inflation.
Data from global research bodies show US military spending has risen significantly over the years, far outpacing other nations.
The United States currently spends more on defence than the next several countries combined, including China and Russia.
Alongside the proposed military boost, the administration is also pushing for about $73 billion in cuts to domestic programmes.
These include reductions in funding for health, housing, and education initiatives, as well as a broader 10 per cent cut to non-defence spending.
Officials say the budget reflects a shift in priorities toward national security amid rising geopolitical tensions, though critics are expected to raise concerns over the impact of reduced domestic funding.
