TRUMP PROPOSES 50% MILITARY SPENDING CUTS

FOR U.S., CHINA, AND RUSSIA

President Donald Trump has proposed a trilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a mutual reduction of military expenditures by 50%. He suggests that such a significant cut is feasible and would benefit all three nations.

In response, China has indicated that the U.S. should lead by example in reducing defense spending, emphasizing that the nation advocating for such cuts should take the initiative.

Concurrently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to prepare for substantial budget reductions, targeting an 8% annual decrease over the next five years. This initiative is part of a broader effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to streamline federal expenditures.

The proposal is still in its early stages, with no official document released. Whether China and Russia will agree remains uncertain.

Trump wants denuclearization talks with Russia and China, hopes for defense spending cuts (AP News, 2-14-25)

Trump wants U.S., China and Russia to cut military spending in half (Axios, 2-13-25)

China Says US Should Take Lead in Military Cuts After Trump Comments (The Defense Post, 2-14-25)