Hegseth Orders Pentagon to Plan 8% Budget Cuts

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed Pentagon officials to develop plans for an 8% annual reduction in the defense budget over the next five years, amounting to approximately $68 billion in cuts. The proposal, which is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency, aims to eliminate unnecessary spending and bureaucracy while maintaining funding for critical areas such as nuclear modernization and missile defense. Hegseth's memo, which sets a deadline of February 24 for responses, emphasizes the need to revive military readiness and deter threats. Key exemptions from the proposed cuts include border operations and specific military programs, reflecting a targeted approach to budgetary reform. The initiative aligns with President Trump's broader fiscal policies and marks Hegseth's first significant budgetary directive for the Pentagon. The full implications of these proposed changes remain to be seen as the Pentagon reviews its spending priorities.