Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to formulate plans for an 8% annual budget reduction over the next five years. This initiative aims to align the Department of Defense's spending with President Trump's focus on achieving peace through strength, according to official statements. Pentagon spokesman Robert Salesses clarified that these plans seek to identify and reallocate funds from low-impact programs inherited from the Biden administration.
The Pentagon is preparing for budget realignments. (DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
In a memo, Hegseth mandated that the proposed cuts be ready by Monday, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening the military and restoring deterrence. He stressed the need for a budget that supports essential fighting forces, eliminates wasteful spending, reduces bureaucracy, and promotes accountability through audits. This memo was initially reported by The Washington Post, and Fox News Digital has contacted the Pentagon for further comment.
Salesses indicated that the savings could be redirected towards President Trump's key defense initiatives, including the "Iron Dome for America" missile defense system. He emphasized that the review aims to optimize taxpayer dollars and effectively support the President's priorities. The goal is to identify potential offsets totaling approximately $50 billion (8% of the Biden administration's FY26 budget) and reinvest these funds in programs aligned with Trump's vision.
Secretary Hegseth discussing defense matters. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
These cuts are also intended to eliminate what Salesses described as unnecessary spending on climate change and other "woke" initiatives from the previous administration. Hegseth has repeatedly emphasized the importance of revitalizing a strong warrior ethos within the military.
Concerns have been raised regarding certain programs within the Pentagon. (MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Image | PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)
This budget reduction initiative coincides with a separate order from the Trump administration to dismiss thousands of probationary employees within the Department of Defense, a process overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
