US President Donald Trump has requested $1.5 trillion in defense spending for the fiscal year 2027, representing an approximate 40% increase over 2026 levels.
The proposal, released Friday, March 3, allocates $1.1 trillion directly to the Department of Defense, while an additional $350 billion would be pursued through Congress’s budget reconciliation process for key administration priorities, including expanded munitions production and strengthening the defense industrial base. The plan also references the president’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
Prepared by White House budget director Russell Vought, the request comes as the US enters the fifth week of its ongoing conflict with Iran. Although the president has expressed confidence the war will conclude in the coming weeks, the budget underscores a long-term commitment to investing in the US military.
President Trump first suggested a $1.5 trillion defense budget in January, describing the figure as a measure “for the good of the country” and a step toward building the “Dream Military.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted the budget would send “a message to the world.”
The proposal also recommends a 13% increase for the Department of Justice in 2027, highlighting the administration’s focus on maintaining “tough on crime” policies.
Non-defense spending would see a 10% reduction, roughly $73 billion, affecting areas such as housing, community programs, environmental initiatives, and health care—programs the administration labels as “woke”—while shifting certain responsibilities back to state and local governments.
A $10 billion mandatory fund is included to establish the “Presidential Capital Stewardship Program” within the National Park Service. The initiative aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and the restoration of historic buildings and landscapes in the Nation’s capital.
The budget also emphasizes aviation safety following last year’s fatal midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter, with a proposed $481 million funding increase for the Federal Aviation Administration.
Additionally, funds from the Biden-era Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would be repurposed to strengthen US energy security, increase critical mineral production, and bolster nuclear safety.