Trump to Divert $3.8B in Defense Funds for Border Wall

NATIONAL—Last week, President Donald Trump’s administration and the Pentagon announced plans to redirect $3.8 billion from the Defense Department’s budget to fund the construction of the United States-Mexican border wall. 

The funding would have been distributed among 17 Navy and Air Force military programs, including money for fighter jets, combat aircraft and ships and National Guard equipment.

The Department of Homeland Security made the request, approved by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The move drew sharp criticism not just from Congressional Democrats but also from prominent GOP leadership.

The Pentagon said it was likely Trump would look to the Defense Department for more funding for the border wall this year, looking to fulfill a campaign promise of 450 miles of border wall by 2021.

In total, the administration plans to divert $7.2 billion funds this year including the $3.8 billion it announced last week. 

Click here for a detailed breakdown from the Associated Press of where the funds came from and more information.