Hegseth Orders Pentagon to Identify $50 Billion in Budget Cuts

The Pentagon’s review will target programs related to climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Robert Salesses said.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Feb. 7, 2025. Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed military officials to identify $50 billion in potential cuts from the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget so that the savings can be redirected to President Donald Trump’s national defense priorities, the Pentagon announced on Feb. 19.

The Department of Defense plans to review the budget drawn up by the previous administration and develop a list of potential savings that could be “realigned from low-impact and low-priority Biden-legacy programs,” according to a statement from Robert Salesses, who is performing the duties of the deputy defense secretary.