Data Dive: Trump's military ambitions could run into budget buzzsaw

Reuters: As President-elect Donald Trump narrows down his pick for secretary of defense, military spending is close to historic highs with $596 billion budgeted in 2016. The United States spends more on defense than the next seven countries combined, including China, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Trump’s  military readiness plan may drive spending even higher. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates his plan would add another $150 billion in spending.

The plan includes building an active Army of around 540,000 personnel and an Air Force of at least 1,200 fighter aircraft.  Those numbers are based on recommendations from various government agencies and think tanks.

Read article