US President Donald Trump on Friday requested lawmakers approve a $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 amid rising costs from the war in Iran.
The proposal would raise Pentagon spending by more than 40 percent in a single year, the sharpest increase since World War II.
Trump argued the funds are essential to sustain ongoing military operations and replenish depleted weapons stockpiles across the globe.
The request underscores growing financial pressure as the conflict enters its fifth week, setting up a fierce political fight in Congress.
US media report the Iran war could be costing up to $2 billion daily, even before factoring long-term reconstruction costs.
To offset part of the increase, Trump proposes $73 billion in cuts to non-defense programs, about 10 percent of that spending.
He described the cuts as reductions to “woke, weaponized, and wasteful programs,” returning responsibilities like Medicaid and day care to state governments.
Trump framed the defense increase as urgent, arguing military investment must take priority over federal social programs during wartime.
“It’s not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare,” Trump said at a private event recently.
Democrats quickly attacked the plan, with Senate budget leader Patty Murray calling it reckless and prioritizing war over Americans’ needs.
“Donald Trump might be happy to spend more money on bombs in the Middle East than on families here,” Murray said.
The debate over funding marks a pivotal clash between Trump’s administration and Congress over the nation’s fiscal and military priorities.