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US OKs $1 T Defense Rise; Europe Hits Record Spending

4/30/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Center

Congress Approves Defense

Congress approved more than $1 trillion for U.S. defense in 2026, with a proposed budget that could reach $1.5 trillion in 2027.
U.S. President Donald Trump stopped new lethal aid to Ukraine, causing a 7.5% drop in U.S. defense spending in 2025.
Global military spending reached $2.89 trillion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth.
European nations raised defense outlays 14% to $864 billion, the continent’s highest recorded level.

Left

Protesters Demand Cuts

Protesters in Seoul gathered for Global Days of Action on Military Spending, calling for an end to rising defense budgets.
Global military expenditures reached $2.89 trillion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth.
The UN and IMF warned the spending surge could force health and education cuts.
Lockheed Martin reported record sales and a $194 billion backlog as defense contracts expanded.

History

Historical Context

In 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait, prompting UN Security Council Resolution 678 and a US-led coalition of 42 nations; the United States contributed roughly 73% of the 956,600 troops and financed the operation. That massive mobilization set a precedent for later defense budget spikes, echoed in the 2026 congressional earmark of over $1 trillion.

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Congress Approves Defense

Congress approved more than $1 trillion for U.S. defense in 2026, with a proposed budget that could reach $1.5 trillion in 2027.
U.S. President Donald Trump stopped new lethal aid to Ukraine, causing a 7.5% drop in U.S. defense spending in 2025.
Global military spending reached $2.89 trillion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth.
European nations raised defense outlays 14% to $864 billion, the continent’s highest recorded level.

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