Trump proposes $54bn increase in defence spending

There will also be cuts in foreign assistance and other non-military spending

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's first budget proposal includes a substantial $54 billion dollar increase in defence spending, with corresponding cuts in foreign assistance and other non-military spending.

Highlighting what Trump has described as a "public safety and national security budget," the plan raises national defence spending - already the highest in the world - by almost 10%, an official said on condition of anonymity.



The proposal, which will be picked over by Congress, will have "a corresponding reduction in non-defense spending by 54 billion," the official said. "Most federal agencies will see a reduction as a result."