Trump: I'll Spend Billions to Ensure 'Unquestioned Military Strength'

Donald Trump vowed to boost military spending by tens of billions of dollars, outlining plans Wednesday for major increases in the number of active troops, Navy ships and submarines, and fighter planes as he works to convince skeptics in both parties he is ready to lead the world's If elected, Trump said he would give military leaders 30 days to formulate a plan to defeat the group commonly known as ISIS. And he would ask the joint chiefs of staff to conduct a review of the nation's cyber defenses to determine all vulnerabilities.

Trump's address came hours before his national security acumen is tested at a "commander in chief" forum on NBC.

"We want to deter, avoid and prevent conflict through our unquestioned military strength," Trump declared in opposition of his Democratic opponent in his Wednesday speech, delivered inside the exclusive Union League of Philadelphia, which first allowed women in 1986.

The appearances mark an intense, two-day focus on national security by Trump, who has offered tough rhetoric on America's challenges abroad but few details.

The United States currently spends more than $600 billion a year on the military, more than the next seven countries combined.

Trump's rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, has tried to paint the billionaire businessman as erratic, making the case his disposition would be a major liability on the world stage.

"They know they can count on me to be the kind of commander in chief who will protect our country and our troops, and they know they cannot count on Donald Trump," Clinton said Tuesday. "They view him as a danger and a risk."

"She's trigger-happy and very unstable," Trump said of his Democratic opponent, calling her use of a private email server while secretary of state "reckless."

“Considering we just spent $1.7 billions to support the military in Iran.... I love to see more funding spent on or military.”

I thought we gave them $168 billion in the “nuclear deal”, where we essentially sanctioned their nuclear weapons program.

OK if I can remember it, so far he has said he wants to cut a lot of bureaucratic waste, which is rampant, that alone would go a long way to funding the military spending he’s suggesting. Also bureaucratic waste in the Pentagon, which is another huge chunk of change.

Then (I’m mostly guessing here, but based on his comments over time) a lot of the frivolous projects, like putting a shrimp on a treadmill, the other areas of insane government spending, like the $200 hammers and toilet seats we’ve heard about since the 70’s, and probably a sizable reduction in personnel too. He did mention cutting back government employees, by not replacing those who are retiring and are not needed but still being retained by the above mentioned bureaucrats.

I’m sure I’m missing some, and as said, some of it is educated guesses. Just the reduction in bureaucratic waste will be an impressive chunk of change.

Also I don’t remember who mentioned it, but he did say this afternnon he doesn’t like letting some of this out, our enemies are listening. That’s why he has been very tight lipped about a lot of policy issues. He knows he will have enemies even in congress, he doesn’t want to give them any more time than necessary to plan their strategy. I agree, especially where military is concerned. Even letting it out today that he will give the Military Brass 30 days to come up with a definite plan to defeat ISIS is risky, now they know to get ready. And they are definitely listening. I’m betting the last thing ISIS wants is Trump in the White House...

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