Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has instructed the Department of Defense to find $50 billion in programs to cut next year to reallocate the money to President Donald Trump’s priorities. This directive deviates from Hegseth’s previous support for a bigger budget, as he believes the US needs to invest more in military capabilities. The proposed cuts align Hegseth with progressive lawmakers who advocate reducing the military’s budget to fund programs like Social Security.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses emphasized the need for cuts in “woke programs” and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to make way for President Trump’s agenda, which includes building an Iron Dome in the US and enhancing border security. Salesses indicated that the $50 billion reductions sought by Hegseth account for eight percent of the military’s budget, although it remains unclear which specific programs will be affected. Hegseth has initiated a review to identify potential cuts from the Biden administration’s budget for fiscal year 2026.
Despite efforts to realign spending to meet Trump’s priorities, Hegseth’s directive has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle. Representative Don Bacon and former U.S. Army Europe commanding general Mark Hertling expressed concerns about the proposed cuts of 40 percent over the next five years, which could severely impact the military’s capabilities. Observers have also pointed out the challenges of making substantial budget cuts amid rising global tensions, particularly with China’s increasing influence.
Democratic Representative Seth Moulton suggested that the Pentagon should focus on investing in modern and more efficient defense systems, rather than traditional heavy equipment like tanks and aircraft carriers. He criticized the inconsistent statements from Trump administration officials regarding defense budget plans and expressed doubt about the administration’s ability to keep the country safe. David Axelrod and Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in on the debate, highlighting the complex financial considerations and the potential implications of significant budget cuts on national security.
Hegseth’s directive is part of an ongoing effort to identify programs for potential cuts to redirect funds to key priorities outlined by President Trump. The Pentagon is expected to present a list of potential reductions to be implemented in the fiscal year 2026 budget. The debate surrounding defense budget cuts reflects broader concerns about military preparedness, strategic planning, and the allocation of resources in an increasingly uncertain global environment. It remains to be seen how the proposed cuts will be implemented and what impact they may have on national defense capabilities.
