US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a "generational investment" of nearly $1.5 trillion for 2027 military spending, a 44% increase, while also seeking emergency funds for the ongoing, unpopular Iran war. This comes despite a previous order for budget cuts and questions about $75bn in unobligated funds from a prior bump.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, the first congressional questioning of Trump's defense chief since the war with Iran began two months ago. Lawmakers probed the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 budget request while the conflict has caused global economic turmoil by restricting Strait of Hormuz shipping. The war has depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles, requiring congressional replenishment funding.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine testify Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee—the first congressional questioning of Trump's defense chief since the Iran war began two months ago. Lawmakers will grill them on the $1.5 trillion FY2027 Pentagon budget request and the war's costs, with Democrats planning to oppose the conflict while Republicans may also express frustrations. The war has caused global economic turmoil as Iran chokes Strait of Hormuz shipping, and the U.S. military has burned through munitions needing congressional funding to replenish.
Critics argue Donald Trump's proposal for a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget, including a $445 billion increase, is disastrous, diverting funds from essential social programs and exacerbating national debt while benefiting military contractors.
