President Donald Trump pledged that he would increase the military spending during the 2016 presidential campaign trail. Well, he’s fulfilling that promise by seeking what he has termed a historic 9 percent increase in the military spending despite the major wars that the U.S. Military is involved in Iraq and Afghanistan and it still remains at the helm of the world’s strongest military power.
President Trump will have to ask Congress to increase Pentagon’s spending in the upcoming fiscal year by $54 billion in the first budget proposal and slash the same amount from non-defense spending, this will include a large deduction in foreign aid.
Trump does not have the final word on federal spending. His outline for the military spending is just part of a budget proposal to Congress, which despite being controlled by his fellow Republicans, it will not necessarily go through. It’s worth noting that budgetary negotiations with lawmakers can take up-to several months before playing out.
State governors were told by Trump that his budget plan included a historic increase in defense spending to rebuild the depleted military of the United States. Trump also said that the move was a landmark event and a message to the world in these dangerous times, of American strength, security and resolve. He also added that we must ensure that the soldiers have the tools that they need to deter war and when called upon to fight in our name and only do one thing: win.
Reports from officials who are familiar with Trump’s budget blueprint indicate that the defense increase would be financed partly by cuts to the State Department, Environmental Protection Agency and other non-defense programs. Trump emphasized that his administration is going to do more with less and ensure that the government leans and is accountable to the people.
However, Treasury Secretary Steven Munchin said on Sunday that Trump’s budget will not seek cuts in federal social programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
SOURCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-budget-idUSKBN1661R2
