Trump lays out hike in military spending

America : US President Donald Trump is seeking to boost defence spending by 10% in his proposed budget plan for 2018.

The blueprint will increase defence spending by $54bn (£43bn) but seeks to recoup that sum through deep cuts elsewhere, including to foreign aid.

Mr Trump’s plan leaves large welfare programmes untouched, despite Republican calls for reform.

The president has consulted government agencies about his plans and will present his budget to Congress in May.

Between now and then, he needs to identify where the agencies can make savings and work out what he does with tax reform.