Trump Administration Requests Record $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget

Budget Director Russell Vought testified before House and Senate budget committees on April 15 and 16, 2026, to defend a fiscal year 2027 budget proposal that would increase defense spending to nearly $1.5 trillion. This represents a nearly 50% increase from the current $1 trillion budget, with $1.1 trillion sought via regular appropriations and $350 billion through a separate Republican-led bill. Vought argued the surge is essential to rebuild weapons stockpiles and maintain military capabilities amid an escalating war in Iran that began in February 2026.

To offset the military increase, the administration proposed a 10% reduction in non-defense spending, targeting green energy subsidies, affordable housing grants, health research, and education programs, though Social Security and Medicare would remain untouched. The proposal also includes billions for the border wall and additional agents for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Democratic lawmakers declared the budget dead on arrival, criticizing the prioritization of a war of choice over domestic needs. During the hearings, Vought faced sharp questioning regarding the costs of the Iran conflict, admitting he could not provide a specific daily, weekly, or monthly cost estimate. Additionally, Vought dismissed findings from the Government Accountability Office that the administration illegally withheld billions in grant funds, claiming the watchdog agency is typically wrong.