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Vought Defends $1.5 Trillion Military Budget Amid Criticism

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russell Vought, White House budget director, defended U.S. President Donald Trump's $1.5 trillion military budget at a House Budget Committee hearing, saying cost remains uncertain.
He acknowledged the Pentagon's lack of financial accountability amid bipartisan criticism.
Vought's budget plan includes a $500 billion increase in military spending and cuts to social programs.
He promoted Trump's tax-cut initiative, projected to raise deficits by $4.7 trillion over the next decade.

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Story summary

Russell Vought, White House budget director, defended U.S. President Donald Trump's $1.5 trillion military budget at a House Budget Committee hearing, saying cost remains uncertain.
He acknowledged the Pentagon's lack of financial accountability amid bipartisan criticism.
Vought's budget plan includes a $500 billion increase in military spending and cuts to social programs.
He promoted Trump's tax-cut initiative, projected to raise deficits by $4.7 trillion over the next decade.