Overview
- The request is a presidential proposal, not an appropriation, and will require congressional approval following the recently enacted 2026 defense package.
- The figure represents roughly a 50% jump from the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act’s $901 billion, with separate supplements pushing 2026 totals above $1 trillion.
- The White House says tariff revenues would cover the increase, while CRFB estimates about $5 trillion in added defense spending through 2035 and roughly $5.8 trillion more debt after interest.
- CBO estimates suggest current tariffs could raise about $2.5 trillion to $3 trillion, indicating a gap with the administration’s funding rationale.
- Regional experts warn the proposal could accelerate an arms buildup in the Indo-Pacific, prompting a Chinese response and pressuring partners such as India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.