DOGE Enters The Military

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently expressed his support for Elon Musk’s initiative, the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which is set to collaborate with the Department of Defense (DOD) in an effort to streamline operations and cut unnecessary spending. Speaking with Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures,” Hegseth discussed the critical need for fiscal accountability within the Pentagon and the promising role that DOGE will play in this process.

“We need to have a clear understanding of how every dollar is spent, where it’s going, and why,” Hegseth emphasized. “Simple accounting practices are long overdue at the Defense Department, and we’re committed to bringing that transparency.” Hegseth pointed out that while his department would take the lead on evaluating spending, the partnership with DOGE would bring an added layer of scrutiny and efficiency to the Pentagon’s enormous budget.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Hegseth noted that the Pentagon has repeatedly failed to pass a clean audit, a problem he is determined to fix. He pointed to the Marine Corps, which has passed a clean audit for two consecutive years, as an example of success, but stressed that similar results must be achieved across the entire Department of Defense.

In a time when the national debt continues to climb, Hegseth underscored the importance of making every dollar count, particularly in regard to the DOD’s core mission of protecting the nation. “Every resource must be used wisely,” he said. “It’s time for us to work with Elon Musk and DOGE to identify ways to make the department more efficient.”

Hegseth also highlighted the upcoming 2026 fiscal budget, emphasizing that it would prioritize the defense of America’s borders and airspace, ensuring that the country remains safe and secure in an increasingly complex global environment. “Modernization of resources is key,” he added, reinforcing the Pentagon’s commitment to adapting to the modern challenges of national security.