Hegseth Announces Pentagon Spending Cuts Under DOGE Review

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a video on Thursday outlining upcoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts and restructuring at the Pentagon. Hegseth confirmed that DOGE has begun its review, stating they have "broad access" while maintaining "safeguards on classification." He expressed confidence that DOGE, comprised largely of veterans, will effectively identify redundancies and eliminate programs deemed non-essential to the core mission, such as those related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), "woke" initiatives, and climate change. This review follows DOGE's assessments of several other government departments, including Treasury, Labor, Education, Health, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Personnel Management, and the IRS. The Defense Department has already reduced former President Biden's budget by $50 billion, an 8% decrease. Hegseth clarified that this is not a cut, but rather a "refocusing and reinvesting" of funds to strengthen national defense. He emphasized that key programs will remain intact, aligning with President Trump's priorities. In addition to budget adjustments, the department is reviewing its probationary workforce, aiming to retain only "mission-critical" individuals. This follows DOGE's dismissal of 3,600 probationary employees at Health and Human Services and the anticipated reduction of 7,000 IRS employees. The number of defense employees affected remains uncertain. A hiring freeze will also be implemented while the department assesses its staffing needs. Hegseth underscored his commitment to supporting the troops and building "the biggest, most bad a-- military on the planet."