Pentagon braces for budget cuts as Musk-led review begins

The Pentagon is bracing for potential spending cuts as billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is set to conduct a sweeping review of the U.S. Department of Defense, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that various branches of the military have begun compiling lists of weapons programs they have long sought to cancel.

The Army is reportedly considering reductions in surplus drones and ground vehicles, while the Navy is reassessing the viability of its controversial littoral combat ship (LCS) program.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

The review comes at a time when defense spending is under intense scrutiny. The Pentagon’s $850 billion budget has been a topic of debate in Washington, with lawmakers and analysts questioning whether current expenditures align with modern security threats.

In recent months, Musk has been an outspoken critic of the U.S. defense industry, arguing that procurement inefficiencies and bureaucratic inertia have led to overpriced and outdated weapons systems.

While some experts argue that eliminating underperforming programs is necessary for streamlining defense spending, others warn that excessive cuts could undermine military readiness.

As the review process unfolds, it remains unclear which programs will face reductions or cancellations. The Department of Defense has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but insiders suggest that discussions are already underway at the highest levels.

With global security concerns mounting, the outcome of the Pentagon’s budget review could have far-reaching consequences, shaping U.S. military strategy for years to come.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

US military restores World War II-era airfield

The U.S. Air Force has launched a major restoration project to bring a long-dormant World War II-era airfield on the island of Tinian back...