According to a report from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), the average US household's contribution to military spending rose to $4,049 in 2025, up from $3,707 in 2024. This increase comes as former President Donald Trump proposed a 40% boost in defense spending, which has raised concerns among taxpayers regarding the impact on other essential government programs. The report highlights that military-related expenses include $1,870 for Pentagon contractors and $770 for military personnel. Amid rising living costs and the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, public sentiment is increasingly negative, with 70% of voters feeling their taxes are too high, according to a Fox News poll. Additionally, inflation surged 3.3% year-over-year in March, further straining household budgets. The IPS report also outlines that taxpayers contribute to various programs, including $2,492 for Medicaid and $2,207 for Medicare, emphasizing the broader implications of military spending on social services. As Americans file their taxes, the growing concern over government spending and tax fairness continues to shape public opinion.