Hegseth Directs Pentagon to Identify $50 Billion in Budget Reductions

February 20, 2025 TruthUSA

Robert Salesses indicated that the Pentagon’s review will focus on programs associated with climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed military leaders to pinpoint $50 billion in potential cuts from the forthcoming fiscal year 2026 budget to reallocate these savings towards President Donald Trump’s national defense objectives, as announced by the Pentagon on February 19.

The Department of Defense intends to assess the budget established by the previous administration and prepare a list of possible savings that could be “realigned from low-impact and low-priority Biden-era programs,” according to a statement from Robert Salesses, who is currently performing the duties of deputy defense secretary.

Salesses mentioned that “excessive bureaucracy” and initiatives focusing on climate change or other progressive programs, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), are set to be scrutinized.

“The offsets will target 8% of the Biden administration’s FY26 budget, which is approximately $50 billion, and these funds will subsequently be directed towards initiatives that align with President Trump’s priorities,” Salesses explained.

It remains unclear exactly which components of the Pentagon’s climate change or DEI spending will be affected, or how they would amount to $50 billion in savings.

Salesses stated that the Defense Department is undertaking this review to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent “in a manner that effectively fulfills President Trump’s defense priorities.”

“President Trump’s directive to the Department is explicit: achieve peace through strength. We will accomplish this by proposing budgets that revive the warrior ethos, enhance our military capabilities, and restore deterrence,” he added.

“In pursuing our mandate from President Trump, we are guided by his priorities, which include securing our borders, developing the Iron Dome for America, and abolishing ineffective DEI programs and preferences.”

The Epoch Times has reached out to the Pentagon for additional commentary.

Hegseth Commends Musk and DOGE

Salesses’s remarks align with those made by Hegseth during a press conference in Stuttgart, Germany last week, which was part of his inaugural overseas trip to Europe since taking office.

While addressing the media, Hegseth lauded Elon Musk’s leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), expressing his hope to welcome Musk and his team to the Pentagon soon for collaboration.

“There are inefficiencies, redundancies, and overstaffing at headquarters that need to be rectified,” the Defense Secretary stated on February 12.

He criticized various climate initiatives undertaken by the Defense Department under the previous administration.

“The Defense Department is not focused on climate change or regulating the global thermostat. Our mission is to deter and win wars,” Hegseth expressed during the press conference. “Therefore, we will seek efficiencies in those areas, along with the procurement methods for weapons systems.”

The Pentagon’s announcement coincides with the military formulating its fiscal year 2026 request, a congressional process that often initiates late during transitions between new presidential administrations.

The Pentagon’s annual budget is nearing $1 trillion, with a December bill signed by then-President Joe Biden authorizing $895 billion for defense spending for the fiscal year concluding on September 30.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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