Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed the Department of Defense to develop plans for significant budget cuts. These cuts, amounting to 8% of the department's budget over the next five years, are intended to align with President Donald Trump's priorities, particularly the goal of achieving peace through strength.
Hegseth's request aims to identify areas within the Biden administration's fiscal year 2026 budget that could be reallocated from low-impact and low-priority programs. The Pentagon spokesman, Robert Salesses, stated that the saved funds would be used to support Trump's new priorities, including the "Iron Dome for America" missile defense system.
The cuts are also intended to eliminate unnecessary spending that has weakened the military under the Biden administration. Hegseth emphasized the importance of reviving the warrior ethos and refocusing the department on its core mission of deterring and winning wars.
This request for cuts comes amidst a separate order from the Trump administration to dismiss thousands of probationary DOD employees. This action is being overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
8 Comments
Bella Ciao
This is a disaster in the making. Trump's recklessness will cost us dearly.
Habibi
Cutting 8% from the defense budget is irresponsible and dangerous. We need a strong military to protect our country, not a weakened one!
ZmeeLove
Trump is finally doing what needs to be done to protect our country. We need a strong military, but we also need to be smart about how we spend our money.
Coccinella
These cuts will help us focus on the real threats to our nation, not on building empires in the Middle East.
Noir Black
This is a time for action, not silence. We need to defend our country from Trump's dangerous agenda.
Donatello
These cuts are long overdue. We need to be responsible with our tax dollars.
Raphael
Trump's obsession with building a wall is costing us money that could be used to keep our country safe.
Leonardo
These cuts will hurt our troops and their families. They deserve better than to be used as pawns in Trump's political game.