Washington, D.C. – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a proposal to reduce the U.S. military budget by 8% over the next five years, aiming to reallocate funds toward key priorities, including border security and nuclear force modernization.
Budget Realignment Details
The proposed cuts, totaling approximately $50 billion, will impact various Pentagon agencies and military commands, particularly those operating in Europe and the Middle East. Despite these reductions, funding for 17 priority areas, such as Virginia-class submarines, cybersecurity, and munitions, will be preserved or increased.
Notably, the proposal includes the termination of certain diversity programs and climate change initiatives, as well as efforts to streamline bureaucracy within the Department of Defense.
Congressional Response
The proposed budget cuts have elicited strong reactions from lawmakers. Senator Chris Coons, the ranking member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, expressed concern that the reductions could compromise troop readiness and the development of advanced weapons systems.
As the proposal moves forward, it is expected to face rigorous debate in Congress, where legislators will weigh the implications of the cuts against national security priorities and defense commitments.
