Trump defends $1.3T spending plan, points to military gains

Conservatives have criticised Mr. Trump for signing the giant budget bill. The President said on Friday he was disappointed with the package but needed to sign it to fund the military.

Donald Trump has set a May 12 deadline for the US and Europe to address the issues he has with the nuclear deal. (FILE)

President Donald Trump is defending his decision to sign a $1.3 trillion federal spending bill despite his misgivings, pointing to billions in new funding for the military and national security.

Mr. Trump says on Twitter Sunday that because of the added military funding, “many jobs are created and our Military is again rich.” He says building his signature border wall “is all about National Defense.”

The President sought $25 billion for his border wall, but the plan includes much less $1.6 billion. Mr. Trump tweets that it’s “just a down payment” and the “rest of the money will come.”

Conservatives have criticised Mr. Trump for signing the giant budget bill. The President said on Friday he was disappointed with the package but needed to sign it to fund the military.