What does Trump’s massive $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 actually include? Explained

The administration's defense budget proposal now moves to Congress where lawmakers will debate and negotiate the final budget.

The proposal suggests reducing foreign aid by around 30% while creating a new $5 billion fund to support strategic partnerships and help allied nations purchase US defense equipment.

Some areas receive increases, including $481 million to hire more air traffic controllers and $605 million for National Guard mobilizations in Washington, DC; DOJ funding increases to address crime and drug trafficking, while immigration enforcement remains strong.

NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State Department are expected to see significant reductions as part of the overall nondefense cut, with some programs targeted for savings.

Nondefense spending would fall about 10%, reducing total nondefense funding to around $660 billion as responsibilities are shifted back to state and local governments.

Officials note the increase comes as the US continues to spend heavily on the war in Iran and are preparing a supplemental funding request to cover ongoing costs.

The budget prioritizes shipbuilding, requesting funding for 18 Navy battle force ships and 16 additional vessels, and includes restocking and munitions production to maintain readiness.

The plan links national security with industrial policy, including boosting domestic production of critical minerals, strengthening supply chains, and investing in advanced computing at national laboratories.

Highlights include funding for the Golden Dome space-based missile defense system at $17.5 billion, increased Space Force spending, and investments in artificial intelligence, drones, counter-drone systems, and next-generation aircraft like the F-47.

The proposal breaks down the total into roughly $1.1 trillion in base funding and $350 billion in additional resources aimed at boosting munitions production and expanding the defense industrial base.

The White House proposed about $1.5 trillion in total defense spending for 2027, including roughly $1.1 trillion in base funding and about $350 billion in additional resources. The plan also calls for a 5 to 7% pay raise for troops and $65.8 billion for shipbuilding and restocking weapons used in recent conflicts.