EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 10 MIN
There's no data to justify Trump's proposed 40% boost to the defense budget
from Newell Normand
Donald Trump is proposing a major increase in military spending, around $1.5 trillion, while cutting funding for domestic programs. The plan would boost the defense budget by over 40%, potentially pushing it past $1 trillion for the first time, and relies partly on a partisan budget process to bypass Senate opposition. The proposal includes large investments in shipbuilding, missile systems, and military pay raises, along with ambitious projects like a missile defense shield and expanded naval capabilities. Dr. Takosha Swan, National Center for Public Policy Research & Project 21 Ambassador, joins Newell to talk about it.
What this episode covers
Donald Trump is proposing a major increase in military spending, around $1.5 trillion, while cutting funding for domestic programs. The plan would boost the defense budget by over 40%, potentially pushing it past $1 trillion for the first time, and relies partly on a partisan budget process to bypass Senate opposition. The proposal includes large investments in shipbuilding, missile systems, and military pay raises, along with ambitious projects like a missile defense shield and expanded naval capabilities. Dr. Takosha Swan, National Center for Public Policy Research & Project 21 Ambassador, joins Newell to talk about it.
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There's no data to justify Trump's proposed 40% boost to the defense budget
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