Defense Secretary Hegseth Proposes $50 Billion Cut to FY2026 Military Budget
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has unveiled a plan to reduce projected US military spending by 8% over the next five years, beginning in fiscal year 2026.
Exempted Areas
The memo instructs defense entities to propose cuts to their spending estimates, with the following areas exempt from the 8% reduction:
* Southwest border enforcement
* Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft
* One-way attack drones
* Virginia-class submarine
* Executable surface ship programs
* Homeland missile defense
* Critical cybersecurity initiatives
* Munitions
* Indo-Pacom construction projects
* Private sector medical care
Justification and Priorities
The plan aligns with President Trump's priorities, targeting bureaucracy and spending on climate change, diversity, and inclusion programs deemed "low impact" and "wasteful."
Review and Revision
The proposed cuts stem from a review of the previous administration's spending blueprint, which projected fiscal year 2026 expenditures of $876.8 billion.
Impact on Major Programs
The memo does not address the future of major Defense Department programs, including the F-35 fighter jet.
Pentagon Statement
The Pentagon announced that approximately $50 billion will be reduced from the FY2026 budget and reallocated to programs aligned with President Trump's priorities.
Reassessment Deadline
Hegseth has set a deadline of February 24th for responses to the proposed cuts.