Pentagon's Massive $93.4 Billion Spending Spree in September 2025 Sparks Outrage
A newly released analysis of Department of Defense spending has revealed that the Pentagon spent a staggering $93.4 billion in September 2025 as officials rushed to exhaust their budget before the fiscal year deadline. This practice, known as "use-it-or-lose-it," has drawn sharp criticism over luxury purchases, particularly as the United States entered a costly conflict with Iran.
Watchdog Report Details Extravagant Expenditures
According to a report by government watchdog Open The Books, the Department of Defense used the final month of the 2025 fiscal year to spend its remaining budget to avoid future funding cuts. Open The Books called the spending "completely unacceptable," noting that the $93 billion total was the highest September spending since at least 2008.
The report detailed numerous questionable purchases, including:
- $6.9 million on lobster
- $15.1 million on ribeye steaks
- $2 million on Alaskan king crab
- Nearly $140,000 on doughnuts
- More than $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 individual chairs costing nearly $1,900
- $12,540 on fruit basket stands
- $5.3 million on Apple devices
Political Backlash Across the Spectrum
The findings have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth by posting an AI-generated image of him among steaks and lobster with the caption: "HEGSETH BLOWING $93 BILLION OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS IN 1 MONTH !!"
Representative Melanie Stansbury stated on social media, "Reports are showing that Sec. Pete Hegseth blew $93 billion in federal DOD funding at the end of last year," adding, "You better believe we'll be investigating." Meanwhile, Congressman Chuck Schumer labeled Hegseth a "grifter," saying the $93 billion could have funded ACA tax credits for three years.
Defense Secretary's Response and Timeline
In his defense, Hegseth had said in February 2025 that he welcomed a Department of Defense review. He told Fox News, "We need to know when we spend dollars, we need to know where they're going."
The timeline in the report indicated that the Pentagon spent more than $7.4 million a month on lobster tails from March to June 2025. The spending spree peaked in September 2025 with $93.4 billion in contracts and grants. On September 30, 2025, the fiscal year ended and the Pentagon exhausted remaining funds to avoid forfeiture.
Context of Rising Military Costs
In October 2025, the US-Israel war with Iran began, adding significant military expenses. By March 2026, watchdogs made full details of the luxury spending public. The war in Iran had already cost an estimated $5.6 billion in munitions in its first two days alone.
Congress was expected to hold hearings on the Pentagon's year-end spending habits. As the war in Iran continued, lawmakers were anticipated to use the spending reports to push for stricter oversight and possible reforms to federal "use-it-or-lose-it" funding rules.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about government spending efficiency, particularly during periods of international conflict when military budgets face increased scrutiny. The juxtaposition of luxury purchases with the onset of a costly war has intensified calls for accountability and transparency in defense budgeting processes.
