U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Calls for $1.5 Trillion Budget

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Cabinet meeting at Camp David that the Trump administration is seeking a $1.5 trillion defence budget and is working with Congress to approve it. He described the request as a "generational investment" that would reshape the armed forces through higher spending, expanded private‑sector investment and increased recruitment.

Hegseth said defence contractors have already committed about $75 billion in private capital for new plants, equipment and assembly lines, which he claimed will save taxpayers money. He credited President Donald Trump with restoring a "warrior ethos" by removing DEI initiatives and emphasizing merit, discipline and accountability, noting record recruitment numbers that he linked to the 2024 election. The secretary also highlighted recent operations against the Houthis, Iranian nuclear facilities and drug cartels as evidence of the administration’s military resolve.