Overview
- Hegseth posted a social media video Thursday urging approval of the largest U.S. defense budget request on record.
- The plan channels about $756 billion into new capabilities, including roughly $100 billion to speed air power programs across fighters, stealth aircraft and munitions.
- Nearly $18 billion would fund a ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield for the homeland designed to layer protection against ballistic, cruise and hypersonic threats.
- The proposal multiplies artificial intelligence funding by eight and calls for major growth in drones, space systems and shipbuilding described as the biggest since 1962.
- The request still needs congressional approval and lacks a public year-by-year timeline, while reaction to the cartoon pitch ranged from supportive coverage to pointed mockery.