The Department of Defense is proactively identifying areas for potential budget reductions in response to anticipated recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative, led by Elon Musk and established by President Donald Trump, aims to streamline federal operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has expressed support for DOGE’s involvement in auditing the Pentagon’s budget. In preparation, military branches are compiling lists of programs and assets considered redundant or outdated.
The Army, for instance, is evaluating drones and vehicles produced in surplus, which could result in savings of billions of dollars. Army spokesman Col. Dave Butler stated, “We’re taking a proactive approach to making our spending more efficient,…There are several systems that we know won’t survive on the modern battlefield.”
The Navy is considering reductions in its fleet of frigates and littoral combat ships, while the Air Force faces scrutiny over its F-35 stealth jet fighters, a program previously criticized by Musk. These proposed cuts may encounter resistance due to their potential impact on local economies and defense contractors across various states.
Despite the Pentagon’s substantial budget—exceeding $800 billion and accounting for over 12% of the federal budget—concerns about wasteful spending persist. Dan Grazier, senior fellow at the Stimson Center, noted, “It was in the permissive post-9/11 environment that we saw a whole slew of ill-conceived weapons programs. Now we are seeing the results—failed program after failed program.”
As DOGE prepares to conduct its audit, the Pentagon’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources.
