US President Donald Trump has proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, the largest in decades, emphasizing military spending amid the ongoing US-led war against Iran. The proposal released Friday outlines a significant increase in Pentagon funding, while calling for a 10% cut in non-defense spending by shifting some responsibilities to state and local governments, the AP reports. “President Trump is committed to rebuilding our military to ensure peace through strength,” the budget document says.
Defense first, domestic cuts
The administration plans to allocate about $1.1 trillion to defense through the regular appropriations process, with an additional $350 billion expected through budget reconciliation, a path that allows Republicans to pass measures without Democratic support. The budget reflects Trump’s prioritization of military spending, which he reiterated before a national address on the Iran conflict.“We’re fighting a war. We can’t afford day care,” Trump said at a private White House event. “It’s not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare, all these individual things,” he said. He suggested handling such responsibilities at the state level.
Major expenditure priorities
Beyond defence, the budget outlines a number of targeted allocations:
- Maintaining funding for immigration enforcement and deportation operations, including expanded detention capacity
- A 13% increase for the Justice Department focused on combating violent crime.
- $481 million to boost aviation safety and hire more air traffic controllers
- $10 billion to fund National Park Service projects in Washington, DC
The plan also eliminates refugee resettlement assistance programs while continuing funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fiscal pressures and political constraints
The proposal comes as the US faces an annual deficit of nearly $2 trillion and a national debt of more than $39 trillion. A large portion of federal spending continues to be driven by entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.However, the President’s budget serves only as a policy blueprint and does not have the force of law. Congress, which controls federal spending, can amend or reject it.This document, prepared by Budget Director Russ Watt, is intended to guide lawmakers when drafting appropriations bills. The administration is counting on the Republican majority to advance key priorities, particularly defense spending.
deadlock over current expenditure
The budget proposal comes amid an ongoing standoff in Congress over current year funding, particularly for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Lawmakers are divided over immigration policies, with Democrats demanding changes that Republicans oppose.Trump said he would sign an executive order to ensure that DHS employees are paid during the prolonged partial government shutdown, which has extended to 49 days.
continue the earlier agenda
The 2027 budget builds on Trump’s earlier effort to reduce the size of the federal government, including efforts involving cost-cutting initiatives. However, Congress has previously resisted deep cuts to domestic programs, keeping spending levels relatively stable in many areas.