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Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Backlash Over $93 Billion Spending Spree

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced backlash for a $93 billion September 2025 spree including $9 million for seafood and $100,000 for a grand piano.
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury announced plans to probe Hegseth's expenditures amid rising military costs in the Iran war.
The Iran war saw $5.6 billion in munitions reportedly used in two days.
Critics, Congressman Chuck Schumer, labeled Hegseth a "grifter" and contrasted military spending with SNAP cuts.

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Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced backlash for a $93 billion September 2025 spree including $9 million for seafood and $100,000 for a grand piano.
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury announced plans to probe Hegseth's expenditures amid rising military costs in the Iran war.
The Iran war saw $5.6 billion in munitions reportedly used in two days.
Critics, Congressman Chuck Schumer, labeled Hegseth a "grifter" and contrasted military spending with SNAP cuts.