Trump Administration Requests 700 million USD to Counter Russian Influence

The Trump administration is requesting $4.8 trillion in its draft budget for the fiscal year 2021. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed the information in its budget proposal document.

The proposal to Congress reveals that of the $4.8 trillion, the Trump administration seeks $740.5 billion for national defense spending. Some $20.3 billion will be apportioned to strengthen the United States’ anti-missile and projectile defense programs. This decision comes in the wake of Russians developing hypersonic nuclear missiles.

Additionally, from the $4.8 trillion, the administration is requesting to give $700 million to Eastern European and Central Asian countries in aid, to counter Russian influence.

The budget plan also allocates $24 million for the Global Engagement Center, in order to encounter Kremlin guided misinformation and deception.

"The President’s 2021 Budget… counters Russian Influence by Strengthening US Allies. The Budget provides $0.7 billion for assistance to Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia to advance shared security; safeguard the territorial integrity of US allies; support partner countries’ efforts to transition away from Russian military equipment; and address weaknesses in the macro-economic environment that the government of Russia seeks to exploit, such as dependence on energy and trade." the document reads.

By Beka Alexishvili