Politics
Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense plan faces a post-election fight in Congress
The White House’s proposed record defense budget includes a missile shield and a new battleship fleet, but lawmakers warn the plans could stall if Democrats win control of either chamber in November. The budget impasse could also slow efforts to replenish weapons stockpiles depleted during the Iran war.
President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is facing a difficult path through Congress, with lawmakers in both parties warning that a Democratic takeover of either chamber in November could block key initiatives, including a sweeping missile-defense system and a new fleet of nuclear-powered battleships.
The proposed spending level would set a record. But the political fight over the budget could put Trump’s signature defense projects at risk, and military planners have not presented alternative funding plans if Congress approves less than the White House has requested.
Among the administration’s priorities are the Golden Dome, a planned missile shield, and the Golden Fleet, a shipbuilding program. Trump has promoted the Golden Dome as a major defense innovation and said the proposed battleships would surpass earlier vessels in capability.
The consequences could extend beyond those projects. The funding standoff may also affect how quickly the United States can rebuild weapons stockpiles that were sharply depleted during the Iran war.
Congressional approval is required to fund the administration’s request. Lawmakers’ warnings underscore how much the proposals depend on the outcome of the November elections and the negotiations that follow. If the request falls short, the administration has not identified how it would prioritize or finance the initiatives.