Pentagon Unveils $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget for 2027

The Pentagon unveiled details on Tuesday of President Donald Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, marking the largest year-over-year increase in U.S. military spending since World War II when adjusted for inflation. The request, detailed in Washington, represents a 42 percent rise from fiscal year 2026 levels and totals more than the previous record of $1.2 trillion set during World War II.

Pentagon officials described the budget as focused on enhancing military readiness amid global threats from nations including China, Russia, and Iran. It introduces a new category of "presidential priorities," allocating funds for the Golden Dome missile defense system, drone dominance, artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and strengthening the defense industrial base. The proposal splits into a $1.15 trillion base funding request through annual appropriations and a $350 billion supplemental via congressional reconciliation, similar to the $150 billion added last year that pushed total defense spending above $1 trillion for the first time.

Shipbuilding emerges as a cornerstone, with over $65 billion requested to procure 18 warships and 16 support...