Trump and Hegseth's GOP Defense Budget Plan: Key Details

Trump and Hegseth Push for 4% of GDP Defense Spending as Baseline

Former President Donald Trump and Senator Pete Hegseth are championing a GOP defense budget proposal that would mandate the U.S. spend at least 4% of GDP on national security every year, up from the current 3.2%. The plan would add $100 to $150 billion annually, surpassing NATO's 2% target and signaling a shift toward permanent high military spending.

Republican leaders argue the increase is essential to counter China and Russia's military modernization. Critics, however, warn that such a baseline would exacerbate the national debt unless offset by cuts elsewhere. The proposal marks the most significant peacetime defense spending commitment in decades, effectively removing caps that have constrained growth since the Budget Control Act of 2011.

"We need to restore American strength through numbers, not just rhetoric. A 4% baseline ensures our commanders have the resources they need every single year." — Senator Pete Hegseth

• Adds $100–$150 billion annually above current spending levels
• Exceeds NATO's 2% guideline by a factor of two
• Would require waiving Budget Control Act caps for up to a decade

The proposal draws on the America First foreign policy framework and aligns with the Pentagon's recent National Defense Strategy emphasizing great-power competition. If enacted, it would reshape U.S. military posture for the foreseeable future.

$100 Billion Boost for Nuclear Triad and Hypersonic Weapons

The centerpiece of the plan is a $100 billion investment over five years to modernize the nuclear triad and accelerate hypersonic weapons. The Sentinel ICBM program, Columbia-class submarines, and B-21 bombers would receive priority funding. Hypersonic weapons like the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) and Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) would get $15 billion combined for rapid deployment.

"Our nuclear deterrent is the backbone of national security. Hypersonic weapons provide the speed to penetrate any adversary's defenses." — Defense Department official

• Sentinel ICBM: full procurement funding accelerated
• Columbia-class submarines: up to 12 boats funded
• B-21 Raider: increased production rate
• LRHW and ARRW: $15B for fielding by 2028
• Nuclear command and control: hardened against cyber and EMP threats

The plan also prioritizes R&D partnerships with tech hubs like Massachusetts, a hub for defense innovation, to develop next-generation electronics and missile guidance systems.

Pentagon Overhaul: Eliminating DEI and Climate Programs to Fund Readiness

To offset the massive spending increases, the proposal cuts $12 billion from diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and climate resilience initiatives within the Pentagon. Those funds would be redirected to troop pay raises of 4.5% and replenishing depleted munitions stockpiles. The plan also calls for a 10% reduction in the civilian workforce through attrition and hiring freezes.

Supporters argue these cuts eliminate non-essential programs and refocus the military on warfighting. Opponents contend DEI programs improve unit cohesion and climate resilience is a security issue. The overhaul represents a sharp break from recent Pentagon priorities, emphasizing combat readiness over social policy.

"Every dollar spent on climate studies is a dollar not spent on bullets, fuel, or training. We have to get back to basics." — House Armed Services Committee member

• $12B in cuts: DEI offices, climate resilience studies, environmental remediation
• 4.5% pay raise for all service members
• Munitions stockpile replenishment: focus on precision-guided munitions
• 10% civilian workforce reduction via attrition (no layoffs)
• Hiring freeze on non-essential roles

Key Takeaways

• The Trump-Hegseth plan would push defense spending to historic peacetime levels, exceeding 4% of GDP.
• Nuclear and hypersonic modernization are the top priorities, with $100 billion in new investments.
• Budget targets culture war items like DEI programs, redirecting billions to combat readiness.
• Proposal faces Democratic opposition over fiscal responsibility and potential social program cuts.
• If enacted, the plan could reshape US military posture, emphasizing great-power competition over counterinsurgency.
• Implementation would require waiving Budget Control Act caps, likely extending defense spending growth for a decade.