Trump administration seeks US$1.5 trillion for defence in new budget request

If enacted, it would set military spending at its highest level in modern history, underscoring the US’ ongoing focus on defence investment 3 -MIN READ3 -MIN Yuanyue Dangin Washington Published: 2:26am, 4 Apr 2026 US President Donald Trump is seeking congressional approval for US$1.5 trillion in defence spending in his new budget proposal, underscoring his administration’s focus on military investment as the country remains engaged in conflict in the Middle East. The blueprint released by the White House on Friday for the financial year 2027 proposes a 44 per cent increase in the US defence budget – implementing the widely…