US President Donald Trump has proposed a record-breaking $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, marking the largest increase in US military spending since World War II.
The plan significantly expands investments in advanced warfare while drawing sharp criticism over its potential domestic impact.
The Pentagon on Tuesday revealed new details of Trump’s proposed budget, which totals $1.5 trillion, including $1.15 trillion in base funding and a $350 billion supplemental request.
This represents the largest year-over-year rise in defense spending in the post-World War II era, surpassing last year’s total, which exceeded $1 trillion for the first time.
Previously, Trump had requested $892.6 billion, later adding $150 billion in supplemental funding, pushing the total beyond the trillion-dollar mark.
New ‘presidential priorities’ introduced
In a new approach, Pentagon officials introduced a category called “presidential priorities,” focusing on Golden Dome missile defense, drone dominance, artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, and strengthening the defense industrial base.
Officials said these priorities reflect a shift toward modern warfare capabilities and technological superiority.
The budget allocates over $65 billion for shipbuilding, funding the procurement of 18 warships and 16 support ships under the “Golden Fleet” initiative — the largest such request since 1962.
Defense giants like General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries are expected to benefit.
On aviation, the Pentagon plans to increase procurement of F-35 Lightning II jets made by Lockheed Martin to 85 aircraft annually, with $102 billion allocated for aircraft procurement and R&D, a 26% increase.
Funding also includes $6.1 billion for B-21 Raider bombers developed by Northrop Grumman and continued development of the next-generation F-47 fighter jet by Boeing.
Largest-ever investment in drone warfare
Senior officials described the proposal as the largest investment in drone warfare and counter-drone technology in US history.
The budget includes:
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$53.6 billion for autonomous drone platforms and warzone logistics
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$21 billion for munitions, counter-drone systems, and advanced technologies
Funding for the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group would surge from $225 million to about $54 billion, absorbing the Pentagon’s earlier Replicator drone initiative.
Officials noted the focus is on deploying existing technologies, rather than long-term experimental research.
The Pentagon is also seeking multi-year procurement contracts for munitions programs, arguing they will provide stability for both major defense firms and smaller suppliers, enabling increased production capacity.
Pay raises and troop expansion planned
The proposal includes pay raises across military ranks, with:
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7% increase for junior enlisted personnel
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6% for mid-level ranks
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5% for top ranks
It also plans to expand the US military by 44,000 additional service members in 2027, following an increase of more than 20,000 in 2026.
Iran conflict funding excluded
Notably, the budget does not include funding for the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A senior Pentagon official said a separate supplemental request will likely be needed to cover operational costs and replenishment tied to the conflict, due to the timing of the appropriations process.
The proposal has sparked significant criticism, with opponents arguing that the massive increase could come at the expense of domestic programs.
Trump is reportedly seeking a 10% cut in discretionary domestic spending, affecting areas such as:
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Healthcare and medical research
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Education and job training
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Housing and home heating assistance
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Environmental protection and disaster relief
Critics say the plan prioritizes military expansion over public welfare.
Analysts warn the proposed $445 billion increase in military spending could significantly raise the US national debt.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the increase could add $5.8 trillion to federal debt over the next decade, on top of an already high $39 trillion debt.
Concerns have also been raised about rising inflation, high fuel prices, and the broader economic strain on American households.
Political backlash and public reaction
A coalition of 289 groups has labeled the proposal “grossly irresponsible,” noting that the US already spends more on defense than the next nine countries combined.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray criticized the plan, saying: “President Trump wants to slash medical research to fund costly foreign wars. It doesn’t get more backward than that.”
Critics also highlighted Trump’s remarks suggesting the federal government cannot simultaneously fund military operations and social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and childcare.
Questions have also been raised about how effectively the Pentagon can manage such a large budget increase. The department has failed annual audits since 2018, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny over past management experience.
Reports indicate some officials are uncertain how the additional funds would be fully utilized.
Supporters argue some spending increases are justified, particularly for replenishing weapons stockpiles like Patriot interceptors and Tomahawk missiles.
However, critics say the proposed $4.5 trillion increase over the next decade could instead address pressing domestic issues such as healthcare, housing shortages, childcare, and education.
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