Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week the Trump administration plans to continue its push for at least $350 billion, “potentially more,” in defense funds via the reconciliation process “regardless of what happens in the midterms.”
Hegseth’s doubling down on the push for a $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 defense topline, to include the $350 billion sought through reconciliation, comes amid the department’s move to establish a new four-star Autonomous Warfare Command. He noted the mandatory spending request includes more than $50 billion for unmanned systems.
“We’re lockstep on that with the White House. We’ll ensure, regardless of what happens in the midterms, we’re running fast immediately with the [congressional] committees to ensure that that reconciliation bill,” Hegseth said during a panel discussion at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference in Washington D.C., “at a minimum of $350 [billion for defense], potentially more, ultimately fills up what this department needs in order for the president to ensure that we reestablish deterrence and rebuild the military around the world.”
“It’s not hyperbolic to state whether or not we rebuild our military to meet the threats of the future will depend on funding the president’s vision for $1.5 trillion,” Hegseth added. “And our goal, come hell or high water, and we’re working shoulder to shoulder with the [Joint Chiefs] chairman and the joint staff to get it, is to make sure we hit that number on behalf of the president and the country.”
While the government is currently operating under stopgap funding legislation with Congress having yet to pass final fiscal ‘27 appropriations bills or a negotiated reconciliation bill, Hegseth said Pentagon leaders’ “number one priority” is ensuring the department secures the full $1.5 trillion request.
