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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning to implement cuts to the defense budget and possibly terminate some senior military leaders as part of a broader effort to restructure Pentagon leadership and refocus defense priorities.
Some shit you should know before you read: The Pentagon’s current budget is approximately $850 billion, making it the largest defense budget in the world. However, lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about how these funds are allocated, with bipartisan criticism targeting wasteful spending and a lack of accountability in programs managed by defense contractors. Some legislators argue that certain projects are overpriced or fail to deliver promised capabilities, fueling debates over fiscal responsibility and defense efficiency. In comparison, China’s military budget is estimated at around $230 billion, while Russia’s defense spending is significantly lower, approximately $100 billion.
What’s going on now: According to Secretary Hegseth, the proposed budget cuts aim to reduce the defense budget by 8% annually over the next five years, totaling approximately $50 billion in savings each year. The cuts will reportedly target operations in the Middle East and Europe and aim to eliminate what Hegseth considers “unnecessary spending.” Despite these reductions, 17 critical programs will be exempt from the cuts, including nuclear weapons modernization, Virginia-class submarines, attack drones, surface ships, missile defense, and cybersecurity.
In addition to budget cuts, Hegseth is considering significant leadership changes, potentially terminating more than half a dozen senior generals and flag officers. These moves are part of his effort to restructure Pentagon leadership and remove individuals he perceives as overly political or aligned with former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Notably, Hegseth previously hinted at firing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown during a podcast appearance before assuming his role as Defense Secretary, citing his involvement with DEI programs as a disqualifying factor.
This comes as President Trump has tasked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with reviewing Pentagon staffing and identifying cost-saving measures. DOGE is evaluating the possibility of shifting full-time Pentagon employees to contract roles, a move intended to simplify the termination process and reduce long-term personnel costs. Additionally, DOGE is involved in compiling lists of probationary employees who could be dismissed as part of the broader restructuring effort.
Criticism: Despite DOGE’s efforts, some lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have raised concerns about its involvement at the Pentagon due to potential conflicts of interest, as Elon Musk holds billions of dollars in defense contracts through companies like SpaceX and Starlink. Critics argue that Musk’s deep ties to the defense industry could influence DOGE’s recommendations, particularly in areas related to space and cybersecurity, where his companies have significant stakes. President Trump has downplayed the concerns, saying that Musk would not involve himself in anything that has a conflict of interest.
