By Melanie Wilcox
President Donald Trump is seeking a 13 percent increase in defense spending for fiscal year 2026, pushing the Pentagon’s budget over the $1 trillion mark for the first time in U.S. history, according to a budget document obtained by Air & Space Forces Magazine.
The so-called “skinny budget” outlines key priorities for the Trump administration, citing the need to “strengthen the safety, security, and sovereignty of the homeland; deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific; and revitalize America’s defense industrial base.” The proposed jump would raise the defense budget from the $893 billion level approved for FY2025 to $1.01 trillion. (RELATED: ‘Historic Recruiting Numbers’: DOD Recaps First 100 Days Under Hegseth And Collaboration With DOGE)
The Trump administration’s budget blueprint prioritizes several major initiatives, including the Golden Dome missile defense system, increased shipbuilding and munitions production and expanded deterrence efforts in the Pacific region. These areas also align with a $150 billion Republican-backed reconciliation package currently advancing in Congress.
Thank you Mr. President!
COMING SOON: the first TRILLION dollar @DeptofDefense budget.
President @realDonaldTrump is rebuilding our military — and FAST.
(PS: we intend to spend every taxpayer dollar wisely — on lethality and readiness) pic.twitter.com/WcZlNAHgDG
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) April 7, 2025
If passed, the Navy is expected to be the largest beneficiary of the boost, given its long-standing push for a larger fleet to counter China’s maritime ambitions. The Space Force, though much smaller, could also see significant percentage gains as the administration continues to champion space-based defense capabilities.
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both publicly committed to surpassing the $1 trillion threshold, saying that bold action is needed to reestablish U.S. military supremacy.
Still, with Congress holding the power of the purse, the president’s proposal is merely a starting point. Lawmakers will now decide how much of it becomes reality.
