June 13, 2022
![The federal government spent $742 billion on national defense, or about 11% of total federal expenditures in FY 2021, compared to over 40% in the 1960s. Over time, more spending has been towards Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The federal government spent $742 billion on national defense, or about 11% of total federal expenditures in FY 2021, compared to over 40% in the 1960s. Over time, more spending has been towards Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.](https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/sites/default/files/fiscal-facts/ff_screenshot_06.13.2022_2.png)
Fact:
The federal government spent $742 billion on national defense, or about 11% of total federal expenditures in FY 2021, compared to over 40% in the 1960s. Over time, more spending has been towards Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.