President Trump has stated that the United States requires additional spending on defense production. The comment was made during a recent address delivered via a video link, in which he emphasized the need to strengthen manufacturing capabilities within the defense sector.

Key Highlights

Trump underscored the strategic importance of bolstering domestic defense manufacturing, suggesting that a "little more" financial commitment is necessary to achieve these goals. The video message, shared on a public platform, focused specifically on the production aspect of national defense.

No specific monetary figures or legislative proposals were detailed during the address.

Americans are increasingly redefining the American Dream as financial stability rather than wealth accumulation, according to the first-ever Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. The Index, which measures how consumers balance financial growth and protection, scored Americans at 54 on a 100-point scale, indicating a population that is slightly more protection-oriented than growth-oriented. This shift comes as rising costs and economic uncertainty reshape consumer priorities, with 84% of respondents stating that the American Dream is now more about financial stability than building wealth.

The findings highlight a defensive posture among many consumers. Nearly seven in 10 consumers (68%) reduced spending over the past year to improve their financial situation, while 45% dipped into savings to cover essential expenses. Additionally, 75% say their primary financial focus is covering basic expenses, and 74% indicate they are simply trying to stay financially afloat. The same percentage (84%) believe it is harder to get ahead financially than it was for previous generations.

Despite these pressures, optimism remains high. Seven in 10 consumers (70%) believe they can significantly improve their financial situation over the next five years, and 59% expect their income to increase meaningfully over time. However, a significant gap exists between this optimism and actual preparation. Only 30% have taken steps to protect against income loss due to illness or injury, and 27% say they would not be financially protected at all if their household's primary income earner could no longer work.

The disconnect is particularly evident in retirement planning. More than eight in 10 consumers (81%) say they would prefer a guaranteed, predictable retirement income stream over higher-growth investments, yet only 24% currently have products or strategies designed to reduce market risk in retirement. This suggests a need for practical strategies that align with the preference for stability.

The Index points to an opportunity for financial guidance that reflects these shifting priorities. Nearly three-quarters of consumers (74%) say they would be more likely to work with a financial advisor who could help protect them financially. Craig Hawley, President and COO of Nationwide Financial, noted that while building wealth remains essential, consumers now seek confidence that their savings can support them through market volatility and life's unexpected challenges.

Key Financial Behaviors and Sentiments

The research was conducted online in the United States among 2,000 adults age 22 and older, with the survey fielded from May 1–14, 2026. The Index evaluates responses across three dimensions—mindset, actions, and confidence—to produce a score ranging from 0 to 100, where lower scores indicate a stronger growth orientation and higher scores indicate a stronger protection orientation.