Donald Trump on Friday appealed to Congress to support a $1.5 trillion defense budget. and massive cuts to national programs.
See also: Republicans want to cut health spending to finance the war
The huge proposed increase in defense spending would be partially offset by drastic program cuts, some of which the US presidential administration labels “wasteful”.
Donald Trump wants billions for war. Record budget
The draft published on Friday provides increasing US government spending on defense by over 40%. compared to the previous year, which will allow for the purchase of more ammunition and the expansion of the US Navy fleet, as well as the start of construction of the “Golden Dome” anti-missile defense system planned by Donald Trump, writes CNN.
Record defense spending coincides with the ongoing war with Iran and other simmering conflicts around the world. This shows little interest in the White House in directing attention and resources elsewhere, despite Trump's repeated assurances that he plans to end the fighting in the Middle East within a few weeks, according to CNN.
See also: This is how Donald Trump caused problems with the war in Iran [SONDAŻ]
Congress under pressure from Donald Trump
The president's fiscal year 2027 budget request assumes Republicans will use the partisan process to pass billions of dollars for the Pentagon, notes Politico.
Of the $445 billion the Trump administration wants to add to the defense budgetthe White House proposes that $350 billion were passed in a maneuver requiring only a majority vote in the Senate.
See also: Donald Trump put the matter on a knife's edge. Ukraine as a bargaining chip
Billions of dollars for the Pentagon
While calling for a record increase in the armed forces budget, the White House is also calling for a 10 percent cut in non-defense spending, proposing a reduction of USD 73 billion. in federal programs outside the military.
The main targets of the administration's proposed spending cuts are environmental programs at many federal agencies, including the cancellation of $15 billion. grants for initiatives such as: renewable energy technologies and $4 billion. transport funds for support programs infrastructure for charging electric vehicles.
The Trump administration recommends that Congress eliminate $1.6 billion. from research programs conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and asks lawmakers to find $45 million. savings through cuts to Department of the Interior programs renewable energy.
Source: Politico, CNN
