Trump seeks record $1.5 trillion defence budget

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has proposed a record $1.5 trillion defence budget for fiscal 2027, a 44 per cent jump that would sharply expand Pentagon spending while cutting several domestic programmes.

“The Budget builds upon the historic $1 trillion topline provided for the national defense by requesting $1.5 trillion for 2027, a 44-percent increase,” the White House said in its official budget document proposal for the fiscal 2027.

The administration said the request would ensure that the United States maintains military dominance at a time of rising security pressures. “The 2027 Budget upholds this promise and would ensure that the United States continues to maintain the world’s most powerful and capable military,” the document said.

The proposal includes about $1.1 trillion in base discretionary defence spending and another $350 billion tied to priority programmes, including munitions production and expansion of the defence industrial base.

A major centrepiece is the “Golden Dome” missile defence shield. The White House budget says it would be “robustly fund[ed]”, while related reports said the programme is expected to receive strong backing as part of a broader homeland defence push.