It's an absurd claim on its face. Trump’s tariffs generated $289 billion in 2025, nowhere close to the half-a-trillion dollars Trump is asking for. Meanwhile, he expects tariff revenue to also pay for $2,000 checks to middle- and low-income Americans, subsidies for farmers hurt by said tariffs, and bonuses for military families.
Even more infuriating is that the budget increase Trump is demanding would likely be used for his pet projects, including the Golden Dome and Iron Fleet—in which he wants a new series of battleships built and named after himself.
The Golden Dome project is, for lack of a better phrase, dumb as hell. The United States does not have neighbors firing missiles into our airspace. And creating a “Trump class” of battleships is just the egomaniac in chief trying to look like a tough guy.
Trump is asking for this obscene increase in military funding while also cutting safety net benefits and refusing to extend subsidies that help millions afford their health care plans.
For reference, the cost of extending the enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans would cost $35 billion annually—or about 7% of the extra $500 billion Trump wants for defense.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely Trump will get his massive military spending boost. With the filibuster in place, Senate Democrats would likely block the additional needless spending Trump wants. |
