Story perspectives

Pentagon's $93B Spending Spree Sparks Outrage Amid Rising Costs

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved over $93 billion in Pentagon spending in September 2025, the highest monthly total since 2008.
Open the Books reports lavish purchases, including lobster tails ($6.9M), ribeye steaks ($15.1M), and a $98,329 Steinway piano for the Air Force chief of staff.
Critics say spending clashes with rising living costs and loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, citing the use-it-or-lose-it budget approach as a driving factor.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 financial crisis prompted the U.S. government to approve a $700 billion bailout for banks, contributing to a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion by 2009. This trend of high spending continues, as seen in the recent $93 billion Pentagon budget approval, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility amid rising living costs and cuts to social programs like SNAP.

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Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved over $93 billion in Pentagon spending in September 2025, the highest monthly total since 2008.
Open the Books reports lavish purchases, including lobster tails ($6.9M), ribeye steaks ($15.1M), and a $98,329 Steinway piano for the Air Force chief of staff.
Critics say spending clashes with rising living costs and loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, citing the use-it-or-lose-it budget approach as a driving factor.

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