Trump requests $1.5 trillion for military spending in 2027 budget

The White House requested roughly $1.5 trillion for defense spending in the 2027 fiscal year on Friday, marking a significant increase in military funding as the United States faces ongoing conflict with Iran and other global commitments.

If approved by Congress, the amount would represent the highest level of military spending in modern history. The request amounts to approximately a 40 percent increase from current Pentagon spending, adding $445 billion compared to the previous fiscal year.

Of the $1.5 trillion defense request, $1.15 trillion is designated as discretionary spending. At least $350 billion will be provided through budget reconciliation, a legislative process intended to expand the defense industrial base during the Iran conflict.

The defense budget includes a pay increase of between six and seven percent for all military personnel. Funding is also allocated for critical munitions and development of President Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system, as well as investments in critical minerals and domestic production capacity.

To offset the defense increase, the White House proposed $73 billion in cuts to non-defense spending, representing a 10 percent reduction from 2026 fiscal year levels. The proposed cuts target numerous domestic agencies, including elimination of some climate, housing, and education programs.

The White House released a summary of the budget request on Friday, with fuller details expected to follow. Officials said the budget proposal, if enacted into law by lawmakers, could add trillions of dollars to the federal debt over the next decade.