President Trump on Thursday intensified pressure on Senate Republican leaders to advance a $350 billion military spending package, warning that time is running out before Democrats assume control of both chambers in January.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump framed the reconciliation bill as a critical investment in national security, contrasting Republican support with what he described as Democratic obstruction. “I rebuilt our Military in my First Term, and we’re doing it AGAIN, bigger and better than ever before! The Radical Democrat Majority in the next Congress has already made it clear that their Number One Agenda is to BLOCK and RESIST this historic investment in our National Security,” he wrote.
The president also sought to cast the package as a moral obligation to the armed forces. “They want to leave our Warriors weak, and unguarded, but the American People want their Warriors SAFE and STRONG,” he continued. “That’s why TODAY I am calling on Senate Leadership to IMMEDIATELY move on the 350 Billion Dollar Reconciliation Bill to give our brave Warriors the DECISIVE ADVANTAGE they deserve.”
Trump’s renewed push comes as Republicans have only a narrow post-election window to pass the legislation before the new Congress convenes. The GOP’s losses in the midterms have left the party scrambling to lock in key priorities ahead of the power transition.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been a vocal advocate for the package, repeatedly urging lawmakers to approve it in speeches, public events, and on social media. He has argued that the funding is essential to modernize the military, expand the defense industrial base, and safeguard the nation’s strategic interests.
However, the bill faces significant hurdles. Several House Republicans last month signaled they would oppose a partisan reconciliation measure unless the administration adopts a tougher stance on Russia. Disagreements over how to finance the package have also stalled progress, with some lawmakers questioning whether the $350 billion top-line figure is achievable.
The proposed funding includes $47 billion for expanded munitions production, $17 billion for the Golden Dome homeland missile defense system, and more than $48 billion for critical minerals. Additionally, roughly $103 billion would be allocated to low-cost autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and counter-unmanned capabilities.
The urgency reflects broader concerns about the upcoming Democratic majority, which could complicate future defense spending. Trump’s latest remarks echo themes from his post-election messaging on border security and his push for a robust lame-duck agenda.
With the clock ticking, Senate leadership faces a delicate balancing act: delivering on Trump’s defense priorities while navigating internal GOP divisions and the impending shift in congressional power.
