Defense Secretary Hegseth's Proposed 8% Military Spending Reduction Plan
According to a recent memo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to reduce projected US military spending by 8% over the next five years will exempt specific areas, including:
* Southwest border enforcement
* Air Force's newest drone program
* Nuclear weapons modernization
* Preparations for a clean audit
The memo instructs military leadership and agencies to propose 8% cuts to spending estimates for fiscal years 2026-2030. Hegseth has set a deadline of February 24th for responses.
The 17 exempt areas include:
* Virginia-class submarine
* Executable surface ship programs
* Homeland missile defense
* Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft
* One-way attack drones
* Critical cybersecurity, munitions, and Indo-Pacom construction projects
* Private sector medical care
The memo aligns with President Trump's priorities, targeting excessive bureaucracy and programs related to climate change and diversity initiatives.
The Pentagon will develop potential offsets to fund these priorities and refocus on core defense missions.
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