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Trump's Iran Military Actions Could Exceed $1 Trillion

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Linda Bilmes, a Harvard professor, estimates that U.S. President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran could cost more than $1 trillion.
Initial costs, including troop benefits and munitions replenishment, exceed Pentagon figures.
The first days of the conflict cost taxpayers at least $16 billion.
The Trump administration recently proposed a budget increasing military spending by $1.5 trillion, raising defense budgets above World War II levels and signaling higher veterans' costs.

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Story summary

Linda Bilmes, a Harvard professor, estimates that U.S. President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran could cost more than $1 trillion.
Initial costs, including troop benefits and munitions replenishment, exceed Pentagon figures.
The first days of the conflict cost taxpayers at least $16 billion.
The Trump administration recently proposed a budget increasing military spending by $1.5 trillion, raising defense budgets above World War II levels and signaling higher veterans' costs.