Fact-check · Sep 12, 2026 · Donald Trump
“Under our leadership, we've made record investments the United States military”
MISLEADING
What the record shows
FY2026 defense spending totals ~$1.05 trillion in nominal dollars, the largest single appropriation in US history. However, in inflation-adjusted constant 2024 dollars, it remains ~12% below the 2010 peak of $1,061.7bn. The claim's use of 'record' without context conflates nominal dollars with real spending levels.
Sources
- US Defense and Foreign Affairs Fact Sheet: State of the Union 2026 | USAFacts
- President Proposes $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget | National Guard Association of the United States
- U.S. Defense Spending Rises by More Than 17 Percent | Arms Control Association
- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
- FY2026 Defense Budget: Funding for Selected Weapon Systems | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
- Defense Funding Put in Context-2026-05-27
From: President Trump Delivers Remarks to U.S. Embassy Personnel and Business Leaders
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