Democrats Block Trump's $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget Request
Democratic majorities in Congress signal they will block President Donald Trump's requested $1.5 trillion defense budget to protect domestic spending and reduce war funding.
Democratic lawmakers intend to block a $1.5 trillion defense budget requested by Donald Trump for fiscal year 2027. The proposal, which marks a 44% increase over the previous year, includes funding for Trump-class battleships and the Golden Dome missile shield. Democrats secured solid majorities in both chambers of Congress during the midterm elections, providing them the leverage to oppose the spending package.
Incoming House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith and other Democratic leaders argue for a sustainable budget under $1 trillion. They seek to avoid deep cuts to domestic programs and reduce funding for the war against Iran. The budget dispute coincides with an expected impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has defended the request as necessary for modernization.
With stopgap funding set to expire on December 11, some Democrats propose another short-term funding fix. This would allow the new Congress to establish its own funding priorities starting in January.
