Since President Trump entered the war in the Middle East without a clear strategy…it’s maybe time for Americans to focus on future costs. The news media has well covered the impact Trump’s war is having on Americans households…gasoline to food cost.
When Americans went to the polls in 2024, they thought Donald J. Trump was the “peace” candidate. His campaign messaging consistently conveyed that he would avoid involving the U.S. in new wars, he would end ongoing conflicts through diplomacy, and his leadership would make the world more peaceful. Well, he tricked them and lied.
Since Trump entered into war in the Middle East little has been said about cost. The Pentagon recently told Congress that U. S. military operations have cost approximately $37 billion through July 2026 and now additional funding requests still under consideration. Current operational expenses include flight operations, naval deployments, missile defense, fuel personnel and immediate logistics.
With no end in sight for Trump’s war maybe it’s time to consider what future tax dollars will be needed. No question, replacing ammunition and equipment will require many additional billions of dollars beyond operational costs. Weapons being used and needed include THAAD interceptor missiles, Patriot interceptor missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, Precision-guided bombs, Air-to-air missiles and Drone systems and other munitions.
Not to be overlooked is the Veterans Administration’s costs. Economists have long stated that the largest cost of war occurs decades after the fighting ends. It might be helpful to think about this. Lifetime disability compensation, VA hospital care, mental health treatment, PTSD treatment, Traumatic brain injury care, Prosthetics, Long-term rehabilitation and survivor benefits.
We are just months away from an election which will result in a new Congress in 2027. It would certainly be a good time for voters to discuss with candidates how they see their tax dollars being used. Will they support Trump’s endless war…based not on whatever idea he comes up with…increasing the bombing or finding a new country to attack. The alternative is passing a War Powers Resolution to limit U. S military involvement in the war with Iran or any other country without congressional approval.
The final question is…will freed up war funds be used to restore lost benefits taken by Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”?