NEW DELHI: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a significant shift in military spending priorities, ordering a review of the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2026 budget to identify $50 billion in cuts. This directive aims to reallocate funds from what he termed “low-impact” programs associated with the Biden administration to bolster initiatives aligned with President Trump’s “America First” agenda.
In a memo released by Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses, Hegseth emphasized the need to refocus the Department of Defense on its core mission: “deterring and winning wars.” The review targets an 8% reduction from the Biden administration’s proposed budget for the Pentagon, which totals approximately $850 billion for fiscal year 2026.
ALSO READ: Trump’s defense budget cut plan faces backlash from key groups
The cuts will primarily come from programs deemed unnecessary or ineffective, including those focused on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Hegseth’s memo outlines that the Department will develop a list of potential offsets to fund new priorities, which include enhancing border security and developing a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
The directive has raised concerns among defense analysts and lawmakers about the potential impact on military capabilities. Critics argue that cutting funds from programs aimed at addressing climate change could undermine military readiness in the face of increasingly severe weather events that affect operations and installations.
In contrast, proponents of Hegseth’s plan argue that it is essential to streamline spending and eliminate what they consider wasteful expenditures.
ALSO READ: Manjinder Singh Sirsa takes oath as Delhi cabinet minister in Punjabi
Elon Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun its work at the Pentagon, aiming to identify wasteful spending across government agencies. Hegseth has expressed support for DOGE’s initiatives, indicating a concerted effort to streamline operations within the Department of Defense.
As Secretary Hegseth embarks on this ambitious plan to reshape military funding priorities, the implications for U.S. defense strategy remain uncertain. The potential reallocation of $50 billion could significantly impact various programs and initiatives within the military landscape.
