Pentagon's $93 Billion Spending Spree Under Secretary Pete Hegseth

In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, reported an unprecedented spending total of $93.4 billion on grants and contracts. This figure represents the highest monthly expenditure recorded by any federal agency since at least 2008. A significant portion of this spending, approximately $50.1 billion, occurred in the last five working days of the fiscal year, driven by the federal "use-it-or-lose-it" budget rule, which compels agencies to exhaust their allocated funds to prevent future budget cuts.

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The spending spree included lavish purchases that have drawn widespread criticism. Notable expenditures included $15.1 million on ribeye steaks, $6.9 million on lobster tails, and $2 million on Alaskan king crab. Additionally, the DOD allocated funds for luxury items such as a $98,329 Steinway & Sons grand piano, $225.6 million on furniture, and $5.3 million on Apple devices. The report from the government watchdog Open the Books highlighted that these purchases were not isolated incidents, as the DOD had previously spent over $7.4 million on lobster tails in several months throughout 2025.

Daily Beast

The extravagant spending has sparked outrage among lawmakers and the public. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Hegseth, labeling him a "grifter" and mocking the spending through social media. Similarly, Congressman Chuck Schumer condemned the expenditures, stating that the funds could have been better utilized to support healthcare initiatives. Representative Melanie Stansbury announced plans for an investigation into Hegseth's spending practices, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The Independent

Critics argue that such spending is particularly egregious given the ongoing military conflict with Iran, which has already incurred significant costs. Open the Books CEO John Hart described the spending as "unacceptable," asserting that taxpayer dollars should prioritize defense needs rather than luxury items.

Pentagon Spent $93 Billion In One Month ‘Use-It-Or-Lose-It’ Spending Spree

In response to the scrutiny, Secretary Hegseth has previously expressed a commitment to improving fiscal accountability within the DOD. He stated, "We need to know when we spend dollars, we need to know where they’re going." However, the recent spending patterns have raised questions about the effectiveness of these commitments.

Snopes

While the DOD's spending practices have been criticized, some reports indicate that high spending at the end of the fiscal year is a common occurrence across multiple administrations. This raises questions about whether the current scrutiny is warranted or if it reflects a broader systemic issue within federal budgeting practices.

Snopes

As Congress prepares to investigate the DOD's spending habits, there are calls for reforming the "use-it-or-lose-it" funding rules to prevent future wasteful expenditures. Lawmakers are expected to propose legislation aimed at increasing oversight and accountability in defense spending, particularly as the U.S. continues to navigate complex military engagements abroad.

Newsweek