Pentagon Spending Spree Under Scrutiny Amidst Escalating Conflicts
A recently released analysis of Department of Defense spending revealed a $93.4 billion expenditure in September 2025, as officials aimed to exhaust the budget before the fiscal year deadline. This surge in spending has drawn criticism, particularly regarding luxury purchases, as the United States navigated the early stages of a costly conflict with Iran.
“Use-It-Or-Lose-It” Policies Drive Spending
According to a report by government watchdog Open The Books, the Department of Defense utilized the final month of the 2025 fiscal year to spend its remaining budget to avoid future funding cuts, a practice commonly known as “use-it-or-lose-it”. Open The Books characterized the spending as “completely unacceptable,” noting that the $93 billion total represented the highest September spending since at least 2008.
Luxury Purchases Draw Fire
The report detailed significant spending on luxury items, including $6.9 million on lobster tail, $15.1 million on ribeye steaks, and $2 million on Alaskan king crab. Other notable expenditures included approximately $140,000 on doughnuts, over $124,000 on ice cream machines, $98,329 on a Steinway and Sons grand piano for an Air Force residence, $225 million on furniture (including chairs costing nearly $1,900 each), $12,540 on fruit basket stands, and $5.3 million on Apple devices. The Indian Express reported on these expenditures, highlighting the contrast with ongoing conflicts.
Political Reactions and Calls for Investigation
The findings sparked criticism from across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with an AI-generated image referencing the extravagant spending. Representative Melanie Stansbury stated on social media that reports indicated Secretary Hegseth spent $93 billion in federal DOD funding and pledged an investigation. Congressman Chuck Schumer labeled Hegseth a “grifter,” suggesting the $93 billion could have funded ACA tax credits for three years.
Defense Secretary’s Response
In February 2025, Secretary Hegseth stated he welcomed a review by the Defense Inspector General (DOGE), emphasizing the need for transparency in government spending. He told Fox News, “We need to recognize when we spend dollars, we need to know where they’re going.”
Timeline of Spending and Escalating Conflicts
The Pentagon spent over $7.4 million a month on lobster tails from March to June 2025. The spending peaked in September 2025 with $93.4 billion in contracts and grants, coinciding with the complete of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025. Shortly after, in October 2025, the U.S.-Israel war with Iran began. As of March 2026, the conflict had already cost an estimated $5.6 billion in munitions in its first two days.
Congressional Oversight Expected
Congress is expected to hold hearings regarding the Pentagon’s end-of-year spending habits. Lawmakers are anticipated to use the spending reports to advocate for stricter oversight and potential reforms to federal “use-it-or-lose-it” funding rules, particularly as the war in Iran continues to escalate. People Magazine similarly covered the story, noting the timing in relation to the conflict.