Trump Plans Major Cuts Amid Increased Military Spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House recently outlined a budget plan that includes significant cuts to non-defense spending, totaling $163 billion. The proposed reductions would affect various departments, including health, education, and environmental initiatives.

In stark contrast to these cuts, the administration seeks to increase the Pentagon’s budget by 13%, bringing it to over $1 trillion. This move raises questions about the administration’s commitment to reducing military involvement abroad, a promise frequently made by former President Donald Trump to end ‘forever wars’ in regions like the Middle East.

The budget draft was released as plans for a grand military parade are underway. Scheduled for June 14, the event will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday. “Trump will honor American veterans and military history with a military parade!” said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly.

The planned festivities will include fireworks and community engagement on the National Mall. U.S. Army spokeswoman Heather Hagan noted, “The Army is exploring options to make the celebration even bigger, with more capability demonstrations, additional displays of equipment, and more engagement with the community.” Approximately 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and 6,600 soldiers are expected at the parade.

In 2017, Trump expressed interest in a military parade after witnessing one in France. However, the concept faced challenges, including a Pentagon estimate of $92 million for costs and worries over potential damage to city streets from heavy military vehicles.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted these concerns last month, stating, “Military tanks on our streets would not be good.” She emphasized that if tanks were used, significant funds would be required to repair the roads.

The last major military parade in Washington, D.C., occurred in 1991 following the Gulf War. Trump’s announcement comes on the heels of his recent declaration that May 8 will become Victory Day, commemorating World War II, and that Veterans Day would be renamed to honor World War I.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump downplayed the contributions of European nations in the two world wars, emphasizing that the U.S. won without close competition from other countries. “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” he wrote.

The president has often shown a contradictory stance toward the military, celebrating their strength while also claiming they need rebuilding. His presidency has seen the dismissal of numerous senior military officers, including Army General Charles “CQ” Brown in February, leading to questions about the impact of political influences on the military’s neutrality.

As military and government agencies face dramatic budget shifts, the dynamics in U.S. national security and defense strategies continue to evolve.