The Trump administration released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 on Friday, requesting a massive $1.5 trillion for military spending — a 40% increase from the current year and the highest level in modern US history.
Officials said the huge boost is needed to restock munitions and supplies used in the ongoing five-week war with Iran. The proposal also includes $73 billion in cuts (about 10%) to various domestic programs, including health, housing, education, clean energy research, disaster response, and assistance for low-income families.
Critics, including Democrats, argue the budget prioritises military spending over urgent needs at home and could add trillions more to the already $39 trillion national debt.
Other Key Developments
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered troops on military bases to carry personal firearms, citing recent mass shootings and calling gun-free zones dangerous.
- Hegseth also fired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and replaced him with Gen. Christopher LaNeve amid tensions over personnel decisions.
- President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi and appointed his former criminal defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, as acting attorney general.
- A group of 22 Democratic state attorneys general announced plans to sue over Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting.
The budget proposal and personnel changes come as the US continues its military campaign against Iran, with Trump warning of further action while some officials push for a conditions-based strategy rather than fixed deadlines.
