Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a $1.01 trillion defense budget for the next fiscal year, marking a 13% increase while advocating for significant reductions in domestic programs.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the White House unveiled a budget plan on Friday seeking an additional $119 billion for the reconciliation bill currently under congressional discussion, which includes an overhaul of the Pentagon. This defense spending aligns with Trump's priorities of enhancing homeland security, deterring Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific, and revitalizing U.S. defense and immigration enforcement capabilities.

The proposed budget also outlines a $163 billion, or 23%, cut to non-defense spending, targeting various climate, education, health, and housing programs, including those benefiting low-income individuals. This has drawn objections from Democratic members of Congress who oppose increasing defense funding without parallel increases in some non-defense areas.

Some Republican hawks expressed disappointment with the proposed budget, arguing that it keeps defense spending unchanged without the reconciliation bill. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker pointed out that the administration is not requesting a $1 trillion budget but rather an $892.6 billion budget, criticizing Trump's advisers for not aligning with the president's intentions.

Wicker also mentioned that the Office of Management and Budget has requested a fifth consecutive year of Biden-era funding levels, effectively leaving military spending flat.