Non-Defense Spending Spree

Nondefense spending was over twelve times higher in 2022 than it was in 1965 after adjusting for inflation, and more than seven times as much per person. Meanwhile, the level of inflation adjusted defense spending has remained relatively consistent, especially on a per person basis.

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Updated August 31, 2023

Source: Office of Management and Budget

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Non-Defense Consuming More GDP

Spending on national defense has declined as a share of the economy since 1962. In contrast, non-defense spending has soared, increasing due to the unsustainable growth of social benefit programs. In 2020, non-defense federal spending hit a record of 26 percent of GDP.

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Updated March 28, 2024

Source: Office of Management and Budget

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