Is it for the sake of appearing strong on national defense, to thwart a perception that Democrats are weaker on national security than Republicans?


Is it because the administration genuinely believes that such military expenditures are necessary? (In other words, it's not because of right-wing pressure?)


Is it because the administration can't make significant cuts to the military budget, because Congress wouldn't agree to it?





I'm asking for serious, non-snarky answers. I'm genuinely puzzled.