Key facts
- Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget faces opposition from Democrats.
- Key initiatives include the Golden Dome missile shield and a fleet of nuclear-powered battleships.
- A significant portion of the budget relies on a $350 billion reconciliation measure.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of hampered investments in autonomous technology and space defense.
- Gen. Michael Guetlein stated the Golden Dome program could collapse without $17 billion in funding.
President Donald Trump's signature defense programs, including a missile shield and a fleet of nuclear-powered battleships, are at risk if Democrats gain control of Congress in November. Lawmakers from both parties express concern that Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, which includes these initiatives, will face insurmountable opposition from Democrats. Military planners have reportedly offered no alternative funding strategies if the president's budget request is not approved. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that investments in autonomous technology and space defense could be significantly hampered without adequate funding, and the director of the Golden Dome program warned of its potential collapse without the requested $17 billion. The White House maintains it is not planning for failure and has not developed contingency plans, a stance that has drawn criticism from some senators concerned about national security.