The military industrial complex is a term used to describe the close relationship between the military, government, and defense industry. It refers to the symbiotic relationship between these entities, which relies on the continued funding and production of weapons and other military equipment.

The military industrial complex can be traced back to the early 20th century, but it gained significant attention in the United States during the Cold War era. During this time, the government provided significant funding for defense projects, leading to a proliferation of defense contractors and military research programs.

Critics of the military industrial complex argue that it leads to a never-ending cycle of military spending and production, as well as potential conflicts of interest between government officials and defense contractors. Others argue that the complex is necessary for national security and provides jobs and economic benefits.

Overall, the military industrial complex remains a complex and controversial topic, with ongoing debates about its impact on society and the role of government in defense spending.

As of the latest available data in 2021, the United States spent approximately $778 billion on defense, which is the highest defense budget in the world. This includes funding for the Department of Defense, as well as other national security-related activities such as nuclear weapons, intelligence, and homeland security.

Biden’s request earmarks $842 billion for the Pentagon and $44 billion for defense-related programs at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy and other agencies. The total amount of the 2024 budget proposal is $28 billion more than last year’s $858 billion.