Trump to spend $5 billion to counter threat from North Korea

US President Donald Trump has asked Congress to increase defense spending for fiscal year 2018, according to the press service of the White House.


In a letter to House Speaker, Trump requested an additional $4 billion "to support urgent missile defeat and defense enhancements to counter the threat from North Korea."


Trump also asked $1.2 billion in support of the administration's South Asia strategy, particularly, cost of increasing the number of US troops in Afghanistan.


Moreover, Trump requested an additional $700 million to repair damage to US Navy ships John S. McCain and Fitzgerald, which collided with civilian vessels in 2017.


Earlier during his visit to Japan, Trump said that no dictator should underestimate US resolve. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe supported Trump’s position.