Buttigieg Slams Trump's $500B War Budget, Warns of $3,700 Cost per Household

Former Transportation Secretary criticizes plan that prioritizes foreign wars over domestic needs

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:12am

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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has criticized President Donald Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, which includes an additional $500 billion for foreign wars. Buttigieg warned that this would cost American households around $3,700 while cutting funding for health, jobs, housing, and education. Top Democratic leaders have also slammed the budget for prioritizing military spending over domestic priorities.

Why it matters

Buttigieg's criticism highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between military and domestic spending in the federal budget. As the U.S. faces challenges at home, such as rising costs of living, there are concerns that excessive military spending could come at the expense of critical domestic programs and services.

The details

Buttigieg took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the budget, saying it "takes more of your money for foreign wars, while making life in America even more unaffordable." Top Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Adam Schiff, have also condemned the budget for prioritizing military spending over domestic needs. President Trump has defended the proposed defense budget increase, citing depleted ammunition stockpiles and the need to ramp up production.

  • On Saturday, Buttigieg posted his criticism on X.
  • Last month, President Trump defended the proposed defense budget increase.

The players

Pete Buttigieg

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States.

Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senate Minority Leader (D-NY).

Elizabeth Warren

U.S. Senator (D-MA).

Adam Schiff

U.S. Representative (D-CA).

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What they’re saying

“Trump's new budget adds an extra $500 billion to fund wars abroad — about $3,700 more for every household in America — while cutting health, jobs, housing, and education.”

— Pete Buttigieg, Former Transportation Secretary

“No money to lower energy costs for American families, but $1 billion a day for Trump's war in Iran.”

— Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator

“No way. No how. We will fight this.”

— Adam Schiff, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The proposed defense budget will now go through the congressional appropriations process, where lawmakers will debate and potentially make changes to the spending plan.

The takeaway

Buttigieg's criticism highlights the ongoing tension between military and domestic spending priorities in the federal budget. As the U.S. faces economic challenges at home, there are concerns that excessive defense spending could come at the expense of critical domestic programs and services that directly impact Americans' quality of life.