Asger Risom
A new report reveals that between 2020 and 2024, private weapons manufacturers received $2.4 trillion from the U.S. Department of Defense. As military budgets soar under Trump, defense corporations are pocketing record profits while diplomacy and aid programs shrink.
A new report reveals that between 2020 and 2024, private weapons manufacturers received $2.4 trillion from the U.S. Department of Defense. As military budgets soar under Trump, defense corporations are pocketing record profits while diplomacy and aid programs shrink.
Over Half of Pentagon Spending Went to Contractors
Of the $4.4 trillion spent by the Pentagon in four years, 54% went directly to private companies. The top five—Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman—accounted for $771 billion in contracts alone.
Trump’s Defense Budget Breaks Records
The latest Pentagon budget surpasses $1 trillion per year, marking a 99% increase since 2000. This growth continues despite earlier statements from Trump suggesting he would cut military spending in half.
Tech Giants Cash In on Defense Boom
Alongside traditional arms producers, military-tech firms like SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril are seeing major gains. Their growing influence is fueled by deep political ties within the Trump administration.
The “For the Troops” Myth
Though defense spending is often justified as support for military personnel, most of it ends up in corporate hands. Experts argue that lobbying, not national security strategy, is driving the bulk of these allocations.
Waste and Overpricing Remain Rampant
The report highlights spending on overpriced or flawed weapons systems, as well as extravagant compensation packages. Critics say this points to a lack of accountability and inefficient use of public funds.
Diplomacy Funds Slashed
As defense contracts grow, U.S. spending on diplomacy and humanitarian aid has dropped significantly. Adjusted for inflation, military budgets now exceed State Department and aid spending by over $350 billion.
Permanent War Economy?
Despite the end of the Afghanistan war, defense budgets keep growing—now focused on countering China and arming allies like Ukraine and Israel. Researchers warn that America’s military-first approach is crowding out peaceful alternatives.
