8% US Military Spending Reduction Plan Excludes Border Enforcement and Key Programs
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has proposed an 8% reduction in projected US military spending over the next five years, with certain areas spared from cuts.
According to a memo sent to the services, exemptions include:
* Southwest border enforcement
* Air Force's newest drone program
* Nuclear weapons modernization
* Preparations for a clean audit
Hegseth has instructed senior Pentagon leadership to submit spending reductions for the fiscal years starting in 2026. However, 17 areas are excluded from the cuts, including:
* Virginia-class submarine
* Surface ship programs
* Homeland missile defense
* Collaborative Combat Aircraft
* One-way attack drones
* Priority cybersecurity, munitions, and Indo-Pacom construction projects
* Private sector medical care
The memo aligns with priorities of President Donald Trump and Hegseth, targeting bureaucracy and programs related to climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This is the first significant budget review for Hegseth, who is reviewing the previous administration's spending plan. The future of major programs, such as the F-35, remains uncertain.