politics
April 4, 2026
Trump is right to rearm the US
President Donald Trump asked Congress for a $1.5 trillion defense budget this January and reiterated his aim with the release of his 2027 budget request Friday. Now it is up to the Republican-controlled Congress to turn Trump’s budget blueprint into reality, a much-needed step since the new spending levels would bring us in line with the 5% of gross domestic product we are asking our allies in the Atlantic and Pacific to spend on defending themselves.
TL;DR
- President Trump requested a $1.5 trillion defense budget, aiming for 5% of GDP spending, aligning with allied expectations.
- Current defense spending is at a near historic low of 3.7% of GDP.
- The budget proposes investments in naval vessels, missile stockpiles, space-based defense, and military industrial base revival.
- Proposed cuts include $15 billion in renewable energy subsidies and $4 billion for electric vehicle battery makers, as well as environmental justice programs.
- The budget does not address the national debt drivers: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
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