White House press briefing as Trump promises 'historic' increase in US military budget

President Donald Trump has promised a "historic" increase in the US defence budget as he met with state governors at the White House.

"This budget follows through on my promise on keeping Americans safe," he said.

"It will include a historic increase in defence spending."

His comments come a day before he addresses a joint session of Congress, an important agenda setting event for new presidents.

The New York Times reported that Trump will instruct the government agencies Monday to put together the outlines of a budget that will include deep cuts in domestic spending.

Trump will need to make those cuts to pay for a military buildup and to preserve pensions and health insurance for the elderly as he promised during the campaign.