The amount would represent the largest increase in spending since World War II, with a 42% increase in the Pentagon’s global budget
A The White House sent this Friday (3) to Congress a project of defense budget of 1.5 trillion dollars (7.7 trillion reais) for 2027at a time when the United States faces significant spending on war in Iran.
If approved, military spending will increase from 1 trillion dollars in 2026 to 1.5 trillion in 2027, according to the document presented to Congress.
It is would be the biggest increase since World War IIaccording to the American press, and would imply a 42% increase in the Pentagon’s global budget.
Non-military spending would decrease by 10% (almost $73 billion) through “reduction or elimination of progressive, politicized and wasteful programs.”
The United States is, by far, the country with the largest defense budget. In preparations for the publication of the proposal, President Donald Trump and his advisors highlighted the urgency of increasing defense spending, emphasizing the need to replenish stocks of weapons and other military resources due to the war in Iran.
The American press – which cites closed-door briefings in Congress – reported that the war with Iran could cost up to 2 billion dollars (10.3 billion reais) per day.
President Donald Trump has presented increased defense spending as an urgent need, arguing that military investment should take priority in times of war, including over federal social programs.
At a recent private event, for example, Trump said health care responsibilities should be administered at the state level, while Washington focuses on “military protection.”
“Reckless war”
The draft budget, published in summary form, is not binding, but serves as a reference on the administration’s priorities as Congress begins to draft legislation.
Congressmen have the prerogative to reform or reject the plan. Trump wants Congress to approve the bulk of the defense budget — more than $1.1 trillion — through the usual appropriations process, while seeking to make another $350 billion possible using a partisan mechanism that would avoid the need for Democratic support.
Republican leaders have been receptive to this approach, particularly as they push for increased defense spending and immigration enforcement.
But the plan may face resistance within Trump’s own partywhere some congressmen question the deepening of federal deficits.
The United States has a fiscal deficit that approaches 2 trillion dollars, with a total debt that exceeds 39 trillion, which leaves a limited fiscal space for new spending without widening the gap even further.
Lawmakers from both parties have already expressed concern about the magnitude of the proposed increase in military spending, especially as the government has provided few details about the evolution of the conflict with Iran.
There is similar skepticism about domestic cuts, many of which were previously rejected by Congress.
Spending bills passed earlier this year largely preserved funding for programs that the White House is once again trying to reduce or eliminate.
“The American people want health care, not war. The Trump administration spent billions on a reckless war with Iran, but REFUSES to increase health care funding,” House Democrats said in a statement posted on social media. “It’s cruel. House Democrats won’t support it.”
*AFP
