Hegseth wants Pentagon to cut 8% from defense budget for each of the next 5 years

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to come up with plans to cut 8% from the defense budget in each of the next five years, according to sources familiar with his plans. The Defense Departmen expects to redirect those fund to other programs in the department that would be prioritized by President Trump.  

Robert Salesses, who is performing the duties of deputy secretary of defense, said in a statement Wednesday evening that the department intends to produce budgets "that revive the warrior ethos, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence."

Some of the Trump priorities Salesses mentioned include border security, building an Iron Dome defense system for the U.S. and ending government diversity, equity and inclusion programs.