Pentagon requests $1.5 trillion FY2027 defense budget, largest in U.S. history

Alongside his testimony on the Iran war, Defense Secretary Hegseth presented the Trump administration's $1.5 trillion defense budget request for fiscal 2027 - the highest defense spending request ever submitted to Congress. The request triggered scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides, though Republicans generally supported the spending level as necessary deterrence against China and other strategic threats. (AP, Apr. 29, 2026)