United States President Donald Trump is seeking to boost defence spending by 10 per cent in his first budget. <br/><br/>The proposal will increase defence spending by 54 billion dollar but seeks to recoup that sum through deep cuts elsewhere, including foreign assistance other non-military spendings. <br/><br/>Mr Trump's plan leaves large welfare programmes untouched, despite Republican calls for reform. The president has consulted government agencies about his plans and will present his budget to Congress in May.<br/>'<br/>Republican John McCain said the 603 billion dollar defence budget – which was outlined by White House officials – would be insufficient. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with state governors, Mr Trump said that he intends to do more with less and make the government lean and accountable. <br/>'<br/>Military spending has declined in recent years due to budgetary battles in Congress that led to a spending freeze on defence.

US President Donald Trump's first budget proposal includes a substantial USD 54 billion dollar increase in defence spending, with corresponding cuts in foreign assistance and other non-military spending.<br/>'<br/>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 per cent.<br/>'<br/>An Official said in Washington today that the proposal, which will be picked over by Congress, will have a corresponding reduction in non-defence spending by 54 billion.