We wage wars: Donald Trump wants $1.5 trillion for the American military in 2027.

President Trump is proclaiming a budget effort that corresponds to an increase of over 40% in the American defense budget. The request has been submitted to Congress.

Donald Trump insists that the United States military is the most powerful in the world. He believes his first term has greatly contributed to this success and that’s why, according to him, Americans are also imperial in their war against Iran. So there is no question of easing this effort. He intends to heavily invest in the American military. The White House is therefore presenting to Congress a budget of $1.5 trillion to fund the country’s defense next year, an amount close to the total public expenditure in France each year and 20 times higher than France’s Defense budget. This also represents an increase of about 42% compared to this year’s American defense budget.

Not everything is detailed, but the Trump administration intends to modernize the American military. They also aim to replenish ammunition stocks as the war against Iran is ongoing. An important point: these $1.5 trillion have nothing to do with the $200 billion budget increase that is expected to be presented to Congress soon to support the current war effort. It is all a matter of choices as the United States are considerably in debt. The Trump administration is willing to increase the deficit, but also wants to show that they are making efforts. Many projects and programs will therefore face significant cuts to fund defense.

Donald Trump clearly outlined his project this week during an Easter luncheon at the White House on Wednesday, April 1. “We are engaged in wars. We cannot take care of childcare. We must let the states handle it and pay for it by increasing their taxes. It is not possible for us to take care of childcare. Medicaid, Medicare… These individual matters must be handled at the state level, not at the federal level.” Medicaid and Medicare are healthcare insurance programs, the first for the less fortunate, the latter for seniors and disabled individuals. The message is clear: defense is a priority, national security, social protection comes second.

“We must focus on one thing: military protection. We must defend our country.”

Donald Trump, President of the United States

The budget presented on Friday follows this logic: -10% for non-military expenses, $73 billion in savings are planned in healthcare, social services, housing, education, and climate change. Everything related to gender issues or racial or sexual discrimination is also being questioned. In contrast, border protection, operations to deport undocumented immigrants will be better funded. Another emblematic example: $152 million is requested to renovate and reopen the famous Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay, which is intended to become a high-security center again.

But the obstacle of Congress must be overcome. And this is just the beginning of the legislative battle: the Democrats are already strongly opposed to this budget proposal. They deem these military expenses excessive at a time when Americans are worried about their purchasing power. Debates will begin in the midst of the campaign for the midterm elections in November. Even if Republican lawmakers are generally obedient to the White House, they may challenge budget cuts affecting their states and may be sensitive to voters’ concerns about the cost of living. This colossal military budget has not yet been voted on.