US Defence Secretary Defends $1.5 Trillion Budget
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget, saying the record military spending plan is needed to strengthen American forces amid the ongoing Iran conflict and a worsening global security environment.
Pete Hegseth Defends US Defence Budget
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth said the proposed budget reflects the “urgency of the moment” and would help prepare US forces for present and future conflicts.
He argued that the Pentagon needs major investment after years of what he described as underinvestment and mismanagement. According to Hegseth, the budget would help the United States maintain the world’s most powerful and capable military.
Iran War Puts Focus On Pentagon Spending
The hearing took place as the US continues to face questions over the cost and direction of its military involvement in the Iran conflict. Lawmakers pressed the Pentagon leadership on war spending, military readiness and the administration’s long-term strategy in the region.
The Iran war has added political pressure in Washington, with supporters of the budget arguing that the US needs stronger military preparedness, while critics have questioned the growing cost of prolonged overseas operations.
US Military Modernisation Plans
Hegseth framed the $1.5 trillion request as a major reset for American military power. The proposal is expected to focus on advanced weapons, defence industrial capacity, troop welfare and military readiness.
The defence secretary also said the spending plan would position US forces for future threats at a time when Washington is dealing with multiple global challenges, including Iran, China, Russia and wider instability in the Middle East.
