Trump Loves Golden Dome. His Own White House Is Slow-Rolling Spending
Foreign Policy
by Sam SkoveFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Billions of dollars approved for two key Trump administration national security initiatives—the Golden Dome missile shield and increased drone production—are being held up by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), according to a Defense Department document obtained by *Foreign Policy*. The funding delay could significantly impact the timeline for implementing these programs, which were touted as critical components of the administration's strategy to enhance U.S. national security.
The Golden Dome missile shield, designed to provide protection against missile threats to the American homeland, was promised by President Trump to be operational within three years. However, the OMB has迟迟未批准140亿美元用于与Golden Dome相关的太空能力资金，包括72亿美元用于空间传感器、36亿美元用于军用卫星及其保护系统、20亿美元用于目标相关军事卫星、8亿美元用于下一代洲际弹道导弹防御系统、3500万美元用于太空指挥和控制系统以及1250万美元用于太空通信系统。这些资金的延迟发放可能导致Golden Dome无法按原计划在2026财年部署，而可能推迟到2027财年。
Similarly, funding for drones—a priority for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—has also been delayed. The document reveals that $1.5 billion for small drone vessels and $2.1 billion for medium drone vessels remain pending approval. While the reasons behind the OMB's holdup are unclear, experts suggest it could stem from disagreements over how best to allocate these funds. This delay raises concerns about the administration's ability to meet its ambitious goals, particularly given that we're nearly halfway through the fiscal year.
The situation highlights broader challenges within the Trump administration regarding funding distribution and bureaucratic coordination. It also underscores potential issues with the feasibility of implementing complex national security initiatives on such aggressive timelines. The delay could have significant implications for U.S. defense capabilities and its ability to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly volatile international landscape.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026