White House requests $1.5 trillion for Pentagon's 2027 budget. Here's what the administration has in mind.



The Trump White House has proposed that Congress increase the Pentagon's budget by nearly 44% compared to last year to roughly $1.5 trillion and reduce non-defense spending by $73 billion, or 10%.

"This is a $441 billion or 44-percent increase from the 2026 enacted level in combination with the $151.5 billion in mandatory funding provided through the Working Families Tax Cut Act," the budget request says.

While nearly $1.2 trillion of the total would reportedly come from the regular appropriations process, $350 billion would alternatively come through a budget reconciliation bill.

'I'm very wary.'

This request is in addition to the $200 billion supplemental package requested by the Department of War to sustain the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

According to the White House, the requested sum — which would reportedly raise U.S. military spending to its highest level in modern history — would help restore "the readiness and lethality of the force by ensuring America's warfighters are trained, equipped, and medically ready to fight and win."

In addition to funding a pay raise of 7% for all Pentagon military personnel ranked E-5 and below, of 6% for E-6 to O-3, and of 5% for O-4 and above, the requested budget would help:

  • Fund the "next-generation missile defense shield" outlined in President Donald Trump's executive order titled "The Iron Dome for America";
  • "Secure and defend America's vital national and economic security interests in, from, and to space";
  • Fund the procurement of 18 battle force ships and 16 non-battle force ships;
  • Fund the procurement of 12 unspecified "critical" munitions at a time of dwindling stores of Patriot missiles, Standard Missile-3s, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors;
  • "Fix longstanding shortfalls in the National Defense Stockpile" of critical minerals;
  • Secure 85 F-35 jets;
  • Prioritize the development and production of the F-47, a sixth-generation combat aircraft Boeing won the contract to develop last year;
  • Boost America's drone manufacturing base; and
  • Scale the Armed Forces' "AI ecosystem," among other initiatives.

The White House further proposed that Congress continue to "eliminate millions of wasteful and egregious spending related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and other 'woke' policies" at the Pentagon.

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Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Numerous Democratic lawmakers rushed to criticize the White House's budget request.

Rep. Mike Thompson (Calif.), for instance, stated, "Trump wants $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon while eliminating the programs that help you pay your heating bill, fund your child's education, and keep your family healthy. This isn't a budget. It's a betrayal of the American people."

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said that "the only responsible thing to do with a budget this morally bankrupt is to toss it in the trash."

There may also be some resistance on the right.

"I'm very wary of voting for excessive spending in defense," said Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett (R), Politico reported.

'It is the most robust increase in defense spending in many years.'

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) said in an op-ed on Friday that while he supports maintaining America's stockpiles, strengthening the defense industrial base, and maintaining "the capabilities needed to deter China," he "cannot support funding for further military operations without a formal declaration of war."

The budget request has, however, found a number of staunch supporters in the GOP.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a joint statement, "This funding will ensure our military remains the most advanced in the world, supporting an unparalleled force capable of defending our interests in the 21st century."

"America is facing the most dangerous global environment since World War II. Growing threats from adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Islamic radicals, and narco-terrorists require decisive action and renewed urgency to reinvest in our defenses," the duo continued. "This bold commitment provides the resources needed to rebuild American military capability and confront those challenges head-on."

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.) celebrated the budget request, stating, "It is the most robust increase in defense spending in many years, and it is more than justified by the threats we face throughout the world."

Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said in a note to Congress appended to the budget request, "President Trump promised to reinvest in America's national security infrastructure, to make sure our Nation is safe in a dangerous world. The 2027 Budget upholds this promise and would ensure that the United States continues to maintain the world's most powerful and capable military."

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Sen. Sheehy steps in: 'Unhinged' activist's arm snaps as Capitol Police intervene in Senate hearing gone wild



A Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing regarding the readiness of the U.S. military was interrupted on Wednesday by a bone-breaking scuffle.

Brian McGinnis, a Marine veteran and firefighter who is running as a Green Party candidate to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate, noted in a video taken before the hearing that he intended to ask lawmakers "why they're going to send our men and women to harm's way when our elected officials said that there would be no world war."

Wearing his Marine Corps dress uniform, McGinnis interrupted the hearing with a condemnation of America's involvement in Iran, shouting, "No one wants to fight for Israel," and, "Stand up for America."

'This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one.'

The Capitol Police said in a statement obtained by the Daily Montanan, "This afternoon, an unruly man who started to illegally protest during a hearing, put everyone in a dangerous position by violently resisting and fighting our officer’s attempts to remove him from the room."

In footage captured by CBS News' Alan He, multiple USCP officers can be seen forcefully ejecting McGinnis from the room with the help of Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy (R), who can be seen grabbing McGinnis' leg and trying to pull him out the door.

Sen. Sheehy, a decorated Navy SEAL veteran who partook in numerous combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, said in a statement, "Capitol Police were attempting to remove an unhinged protestor from the Armed Services hearing. He was fighting back. I decided to help out and deescalate the situation."

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Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Footage of the struggle published by Code Pink, a leftist anti-war group co-founded by former Democratic political activist Jodie Evans, shows McGinnis insert his arm through one doorway while the rest of his person is being forced through an adjacent doorway.

Sheehy can be seen wrapping his arm around McGinnis' shoulder in an apparent effort to free the protester's arm — now trapped by the closing second door — while the officers tug at the protester's legs.

A loud snap can be heard, prompting an onlooker to yell, "His hand! His hand!" and another individual off-screen to utter, "Oh my God."

Amid groans from onlookers, a man off-screen yells, "The senator broke his hand! A sitting U.S. senator just broke the hand of a Marine."

Upon realizing that McGinnis' arm was indeed stuck, the officers momentarily stopped pulling to help Sheehy dislodge the broken limb.

When asked whether his hand was OK, McGinnis said, "No, it's not." He later noted on X that his arm was broken.

While being escorted out of the building, McGinnis — who married a Palestinian and volunteered in 2024 for the pro-Palestinian "Freedom Flotilla Coalition" — shouted, "Free Palestine! From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, Palestine will be free!"

The USCP confirmed that the protester was treated for an injury and now faces three counts of assaulting a police officer and three counts of "resisting arrest and crowding, obstructing, and incommoding for the unlawful demonstration."

Sheehy noted on X, "This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence."

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Trump promises 'big damage' after 2 National Guard soldiers killed in Syrian ambush



The United States Army identified two National Guard members who were killed over the weekend in Syria.

On Monday, the Department of the Army identified the soldiers as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa.

'Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world.'

The Army's statement says they were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Palmyra, Syria, when they were "engaged by hostile forces" and killed Saturday.

Fox News reported that a lone Islamic state gunman targeted a group including Torres-Tovar and Howard. The attack also killed a U.S. civilian interpreter and wounded three more U.S. soldiers.

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Operation Inherent Resolve's mission in Syria is "to enable the enduring defeat of ISIS."

Both were assigned to 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard, Boone, Iowa.

Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn, the father of Howard, released a heartbreaking statement in the wake of the news.

"Today two of our Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers were killed in action along with a Civilian Interpreter in Syria," Bunn said on Sunday.

"My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have. Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer. He loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out, no one left behind. Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world. We will see you again son, until then we have it from here."

On Sunday, President Donald Trump promised "a lot of damage done to the people that did it."

"They got the person, the individual person. But there will be big damage done," he added.

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'Rebellion'? Democrat lawmakers urge federal agents to resist Trump agenda in cringe video



Despite internal fractures in their own party, Democrats have rallied on one issue: resisting President Donald Trump and his agenda. On Tuesday, a Democrat senator posted a distressing exhortation titled "Don't give up the ship."

The six Democrats in the video, whose shared experience represents intelligence agencies, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, delivered a forceful message addressed directly to "members of the military and the intelligence community."

'You can refuse illegal orders.'

"Americans trust their military. But that trust is at risk. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens."

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Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images

"Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad, but from right here at home."

Repeating the statement for effect, they continued, "You can refuse illegal orders."

"No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. ... But whether you're serving in the CIA, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, your vigilance is critical. And know that we have your back," they said.

They did not identify any allegedly illegal orders issued by President Donald Trump or members of his administration.

The video ended with the final demand: "Don't give up the ship."

Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) delivered the message.

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser, called out the video on X, saying, "Ten years after the Deep State Russia Hoax, top Democrats openly appeal to CIA and military officials to engage in rebellion against their Commander-in-Chief."

"Do not underestimate how dangerously radicalized the Democrat party has become," Miller added.

Slotkin's post of the video garnered 6.7 million views on X by Wednesday.

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Army, Navy release stunning uniforms ahead of historic matchup honoring America's 250th birthday​



The United States Army and Navy are going all out for the 126th Army-Navy Game.

Over the past decade, the teams have worn special uniforms for the NCAA football rivalry series, but for this year's historic occasion, both teams have stepped their game up.

'We will carry the Army's Warrior Ethos with us onto the gridiron.'

Last week, the Army unveiled their jerseys for the Dec. 13th game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The focus of the design surrounds "250 Years of Service & Sacrifice."

Specifically, the Army fell back on its ethos: "I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade."

Furthermore, the team put added emphasis on the U.S. Constitution and the Revolutionary War with "1775" written on the back of their helmets.

"Washington transformed the Continental Army into a disciplined fighting force. Washington and his soldiers boldly regained the initiative by crossing the Delaware River on Christmas in 1776 and seized Trenton and Princeton," the Army wrote in a press release.

Washington's men were "drilled and disciplined Soldiers able to hold their own against the British, and even to defeat them to secure American independence."

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Image via United States Army

The uniform uses Constitution-style text on the name plate to honor America's founding documents and to showcase "the importance of having an Army that swears loyalty to a set of ideas rather than a monarch."

It also features the Great Chain, honoring the strategic value of West Point during the American Revolution, as well as purple streaking through the jersey numbers and the helmet, symbolizing the sacrifices made by soldiers and Gold Star families.

The Army cemented its commitment to the defense of liberty in the design, reinforcing its motto, "This we'll defend," while promising victory.

"We will carry the Army's Warrior Ethos with us onto the gridiron in Baltimore as we defeat our rivals and seize the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy," the team said.

— (@)

Navy football also revealed its own iconic uniforms, choosing to focus on the historic copper and the Navy's longest-serving ship.

The USS Constitution gets special recognition from the Navy this year and was heavily used for the uniform's design and inspiration. This includes ship knots around the jersey's sleeves, the American flag, and the nautical Navy and heritage red colors, symbolizing its battle-worn hull.

The USS Constitution is the only remaining frigate from the original six frigates fleet and the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, according to the Navy.

The ship is nicknamed "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs appeared to bounce off its hull during the War of 1812. It remains undefeated in battle and has never lowed its flag.

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Image via United States Navy

As for the copper, the Navy showcases the vital role the metal has played in preserving the original U.S. frigates. Not only does the copper protect the wooden hulls, but it was the material used for the 1797 and 1798 one-cent pieces placed beneath each mast of the USS Constitution for good luck.

The entire helmet is coated in oxidized copper for the 2025 game, along with a detailed sketch of the historic ship. A wooden plank runs down the center of the helmet too, bound by six ropes to honor the original six frigates.

The ropes on the helmet have 126 knots, a reference to the 126th Army-Navy game.

— (@)

Online, the Army's reveal of its uniforms garnered much praise, even from its rivals.

"I'm a Navy veteran but I love the jersey numbers," one X user wrote.

"I hate army but these are clean," another said.

Over on the Navy's X page, comments were cordial with fans saying designers "knocked it out of the park" and provided "incredible storytelling in this design."

According to the game's official website, the 2024 Army-Navy Game drew an average of 9.4 million viewers on CBS, eclipsing the record of 8.45 million set in 1992.

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Anduril's new Army helmets have 'X-ray' vision — how is that possible?



The incoming equipment for U.S. military members is so advanced that it not only looks like a video game but seems like the user is cheating.

The standard helmet for the Army has remained largely the same in the last few decades, save for key updates in blunt force protection. While there may have been additions that allow for microphones and night-vision attachments, nothing has even come close to what is on the horizon.

'Think of it almost like a hive mind.'

Leaning more toward what a fighter pilot's helmet is capable of, the new Eagle Eye warfighter helmet from Anduril Industries uses technology that is pretty hard to explain.

The company recently released a stunning display that looks like the first-person view of a video game. Providing a directional map in the bottom corner of the soldier's view, the optics are immediately recognizable to anyone who has played a video game of that genre; a young man in the Army probably has.

A heads-up display reveals nearby enemies with a red blip, and the soldier digitally selects a tactical strike with a drone on an encroaching vehicle in seconds, all while chatting with other soldiers on his team.

The new helmets make this possible by using a "hive mind" technology that connects soldiers on the battlefield with drones, cameras, surveillance, and their squad mates on the ground; the results are fairly shocking.

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— (@)

"The ability to have night vision, thermal vision, but also the ability to see where all the bad guys are, see where all the good guys are by fusing everyone's view together. Think of it almost like a hive mind," inventor Palmer Luckey recently told Joe Rogan.

"If I'm able to see something, you should be able to see it. If a drone can see it, you should be able to see it. Even if it's on the other side of a building, you should be able to see it and effectively have X-ray vision. And I should be able to command and control all these other systems using this heads-up display interface," Luckey continued.

Using "intelligence sensors," the Eagle Eye helmets can detect cellphone signals, radio signals, and even where gunshots were fired, revealing their distance from the soldier.

The Anduril CEO showed Rogan that with a pair of connected augmented reality glasses, the soldier can see all the data being captured by the helmet and show it in real time to the user. This, in conjunction with any drones, cameras, or other soldiers wearing the tech, combine to form a network of data that Anduril says gives America the advantage in an "unfair fight."

What this results in is the soldier being able to see everything at once, effectively seeing through walls or over hills; if anyone or anything on his team can see it, so can the individual.

Luckey showed off a sample video where a soldier could use the X-ray vision to track his allies through a sea can while engaging enemies, displaying them as skeletal-like figures. Once the allies saw the enemy, the user could see them through a wall too.

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Additionally, the helmets not only have thermal sensors, night-vision censors, and hearing protection, they also have sound amplification. Tactical technology allows the wearer to hone in on sounds coming from a certain direction, while canceling out noise from other directions to better focus on the target.

Anduril boasts that it used no taxpayer dollars to create Eagle Eye and is certainly pushing advanced military technology in the right direction.

The advancements come at the same time the company has revealed its anti-drone technology, in the form of a mobile kit for soldiers on the ground. Drone strikes have become an often-used instant-casualty tactic in the Russia-Ukraine war and are a constant threat for those operating without cover.

These products show that Luckey has put a very real focus on protecting the individual American fighter in attempt to prevent loss of life.

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US Army general reveals he's been using an AI chatbot to make military decisions



Even United States military brass is looking to AI for answers these days.

The top United States Army commander in South Korea revealed to reporters this week that he has been using a chatbot to help with decisions that affect thousands of U.S. soldiers.

'As a commander, I want to make better decisions.'

On Monday, Major General William "Hank" Taylor told the media in Washington, D.C., that he is using AI to sharpen decision-making, but not on the battlefield. The major general — the fourth-highest officer rank in the U.S. Army — is using the chatbot to assist him in daily work and command of soldiers.

Speaking to reporters at a media roundtable at the annual Association of the United States Army conference, Taylor reportedly said "Chat and I" have become "really close lately."

According to Business Insider, the officer added, "I'm asking to build, trying to build models to help all of us."

Taylor also said that he is indeed using the technology to make decisions that affect the thousands of soldiers under his command, while acknowledging another blunt reason for using AI.

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Photo by Seung-il Ryu/NurPhoto via Getty Images

"As a commander, I want to make better decisions," the general explained. "I want to make sure that I make decisions at the right time to give me the advantage."

In a seemingly huge revelation for an Army officer, Taylor also revealed that it has been a challenge to keep up with the developing technology.

At the same time, tech outlet Futurism claimed that the general is in fact using ChatGPT, warning that the AI has been found to generate false information regarding basic facts "over half the time."

ChatGPT is not mentioned in Business Insider's report.

Return reached out to Army officials to ask if the quotes attributed to Taylor were accurate, if he is actually using ChatGPT, and if they believe there to be inherent risks in doing so. An official Pentagon account acknowledged the request, but did not respond to the questions. This article will be updated with any applicable responses.

It was recently reported by Return that the military is already tinkering with a chatbot of its own.

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SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Military exercises in Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Riley, Kansas, recently took place, utilizing an offline chatbot called EdgeRunner AI.

EdgeRunner CEO Tyler Saltsman told Return that his company is currently testing the chatbot with the Department of War to deliver real-time data and mission strategy to soldiers on the ground. The chatbot can be installed on a wide variety of devices and used without an internet connection, to avoid interception by the enemy.

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