US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing sharp criticism after urging Congress to approve President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion military budget. During testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth renewed the administration’s case for a major increase in Pentagon funding.
The proposal quickly drew attacks from critics who argued that such a large defense budget would place a heavy burden on American families. According to an economist cited in the debate, the spending level would work out to roughly $5,000 per household each year, turning the budget request into a broader argument about who ultimately pays for expanding military spending.
Opponents say the plan highlights a familiar clash in Washington over federal priorities, with more money for the Pentagon coming as many voters remain focused on everyday costs and domestic needs. The backlash also reflects concern about whether lawmakers should support a dramatic rise in defense funding without a deeper public debate over trade-offs in the federal budget.
Hegseth’s appearance before senators underscores that the military spending plan is likely to remain a flashpoint on Capitol Hill. As Congress weighs the request, the political fight is expected to center not only on national security arguments, but also on the economic impact the proposal could have on US households.
