US President Donald Trump has called for an unprecedented increase in defense spending by more than 50% to $1.5 trillion in 2027, saying this cost will be covered by the global tariffs he imposes. “This will enable us to build the 'dream army' we have long deserved, and more importantly, it will keep us safe no matter what kind of enemy we face,” Trump wrote on social media. The “huge revenue” from the tariffs can be used to pay off the national debt and bring “generous dividends” to “middle-income patriots.” US national security spending for the current fiscal year has been approved at 901 billion US dollars. If Trump's demands are met, it will mean that the US military will usher in the biggest increase in military spending in history. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, America's defense spending has already surpassed the second and third ranked countries combined. Tariff revenue is also unlikely to fill the gap. According to US Treasury data, tariff revenue for the fiscal year ending September 30 is approximately US$1950 billion. Trump has also said he wants Congress to use this money to issue $2,000 tax refund checks to most Americans.

US President Donald Trump has called for an unprecedented increase in defense spending by more than 50% to $1.5 trillion in 2027, saying this cost will be covered by the global tariffs he imposes. “This will enable us to build the 'dream army' we have long deserved, and more importantly, it will keep us safe no matter what kind of enemy we face,” Trump wrote on social media. The “huge revenue” from the tariffs can be used to pay off the national debt and bring “generous dividends” to “middle-income patriots.” US national security spending for the current fiscal year has been approved at 901 billion US dollars. If Trump's demands are met, it will mean that the US military will usher in the biggest increase in military spending in history. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, America's defense spending has already surpassed the second and third ranked countries combined. Tariff revenue is also unlikely to fill the gap. According to US Treasury data, tariff revenue for the fiscal year ending September 30 is approximately US$1950 billion. Trump has also said he wants Congress to use this money to issue $2,000 tax refund checks to most Americans.