Pentagon preparing $400 billion cut to Trump administration's requested defense budget - report

The Pentagon is developing a $1.1 trillion defense budget, a $400 billion reduction from the $1.5 trillion requested by President Trump, according to multiple sources cited by Politico. This significant cut could signal the political landscape for the Republican Party post-midterm elections. The Pentagon's plan hinges on a reconciliation process that allows Republicans to add $350 billion to a $1.15 trillion base budget.

Despite this, Pentagon planners are still expecting a budget far below the requested $1.5 trillion, one former official told Politico. The reduced funding could impact the US Defense Department's ability to enter new defense agreements, maintain existing programs, and replenish depleted weapons stockpiles from the war with Iran, which has cost around $47 billion, with $29 billion spent on munitions replacements.

White House budget director Russell Vought has stated that the administration has no alternative funding plans if Congress does not support the proposed budget. The Republican Party is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with the administration's defense policies, suggesting it's unlikely a $1.5 trillion budget will be approved.