Kelly Slams Trump's Proposed $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget as "Outrageous"
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) sharply criticized the Trump administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, calling the figure "outrageous" during an appearance on CBS's Face the Nation.
The proposal represents a 42% increase from 2026 levels and serves as a starting point for congressional negotiations.
Kelly, a former astronaut and current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that the defense budget was just over $700 billion when he joined the Senate five and a half years ago.
Concerns Over "Golden Dome" and Iran War Strategy
Kelly raised specific concerns about components of the budget, including a space-based missile defense system called "Golden Dome." He stated that the system faces significant technical challenges and questioned its viability.
He also expressed alarm over the depletion of U.S. munitions during the Iran war. Citing Pentagon briefings, Kelly stated that the administration entered the conflict without a strategic goal, plan, or timeline.
Supplemental Spending Package Expected
The White House is expected to request a supplemental spending package for the Iran war. A Pentagon official estimated costs at $25 billion, while internal assessments suggest the figure could be closer to $50 billion.
Kelly concluded that the American people are less safe due to munitions depletion and the lack of a coherent strategy.