US Could Double Military Spending While Your Bridges Crumble
So, Trump wants to hike military spending to $1.5 trillion, demanding defense contractors ramp up production or face unspecified 'crackdowns' on payouts. One might wonder, what 'payouts' is he referring to? Perhaps the billions in annual congressional appropriations to Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon. In 2023, these giants collectively raked in over $100 billion from the Pentagon. Doubling
the already bloated budget, already larger than the next ten countries combined, means doubling down on this corporate handout. (Source: OpenTheBooks.com, 2023 financial reports for defense contractors). While essential infrastructure crumbles and social safety nets fray, the discussion is always about more tanks, more jets, more missiles. A mere fraction of this proposed increase could tackle
chronic homelessness or rebuild entire communities. But hey, who needs healthcare or clean water when you can fund another endless war machine, enriching the very companies that funnel lobbying money into Washington? Apparently, showering defense contractors with cash is 'strong leadership,' while investing in human beings is just 'socialism'.