Bullets and lobster tails: Pentagon spends nearly $80 billion in one-month spree

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Washington Times Header

The Defense Department went on its biggest monthlong spending spree since the height of the war on terror, dumping nearly $80 billion in a rush to empty its accounts before the end of the fiscal year.

In just the final five business days of September alone, the Pentagon spent $33.1 billion, according to Open the Books, a watchdog. Thatโ€™s more in five days than nearly every other nation on earth spends in a year on their military.

The big-ticket spending items from September were to be expected: $3 billion on ammunition, and nearly $8 billion spent on aircraft.

But the Pentagonโ€™s books also tallied 147 separate entries for raw lobster tail, at a cost of $6.1 million, and $16.6 million on ribeye steak.

Open the Books said the spending was part of the governmentโ€™s perverse use-it-or-lost-it mentality, which dictates that if a program needs to spend every dollar it was budgeted โ€” whether needed or not โ€” or else Congress will trim its funding in the future. And since losing funding is akin to a bureaucratic plague, agencies find all sorts of creative ways to dump cash.

That means September, the end of the fiscal year, is traditionally the Pentagonโ€™s biggest-spending month.

But last year saw some real doozies in spending, including $113,230 on ice cream and $117,787 on fresh doughnuts.

The report comes just ahead of the confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, who is President-elect Donald Trumpโ€™s pick to be the next defense secretary.

Lockheed Martin Corp. was the biggest winner in Septemberโ€™s spending, collecting $10.8 billion of the $79.1 billion spent. Thatโ€™s twice as much as the runner-up, Raytheon Company, and roughly five times Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, which was No. 3 on the list.

Open the Books said Septemberโ€™s spending spree included:

โ€ข A total of $103.7 million on meat, poultry and fish, including the lobster tails, ribeye and $6.4 million on salmon.

โ€ข $81.1 million on fruit and vegetables.

โ€ข $5.1 million on Apple products.

โ€ข $36,000 on footrests.

โ€ข $12,480 for โ€œpiano tuning.โ€

Open the Books said there was some good news, at least compared to past boondoggles.

In September 2023, the Navy paid a $7,136 parking ticket for Tokyoโ€™s Haneda Airport.

Read the Article on OpenTheBooks.com

The Washington Times
The Washington Timeshttps://www.washingtontimes.com/
The Washington Times is a trusted counterweight to mainstream media, delivering facts and commentary to inform and celebrate the American values of freedom, faith and family.

Hereโ€™s What the USโ€™ Security Guarantees For Ukraine Might Look Like

Western security guarantees for Ukraine are one of the main issues delaying a political resolution to the conflict. Russia launched its SMO primarily in response to NATO-emanating threats from Ukraine.

The Cost of Anger

I will not write much here. There are no words I can say. I only wish to remember those forgotten casualties, the unseen cost of the current antagonism in America.

Another Mass Trans Shooter Not to be Discussed

Robin (Robert) Westman was identified by police as the suspect behind a shooting at a Catholic school that left two children dead and 17 others injured.

AI Techno-Hell Roundup: The Birds and the Bees

In addition to total supplantation of human labor, AI is also doing a number on homo sapiensโ€™ psychological welfare โ€” seducing lonely techno-serfs.

Flagged for Burning

Trump ordered AG to enforce laws against flag desecration focusing on flag burning linked to violent crimes, property destruction or other illegal activities.

Child Who Shielded Friends During Minneapolis School Shooting Praised by Officials

Officials praised children at Annunciation Catholic School in MN who put themselves in harmโ€™s way to protect their friends during a mass shooting.

TransUnion Reports Data Breach Affecting 4 Million American Consumers

TransUnion LLC, Chicago-based credit-reporting firm, announced a data breach involving personal information of 4.4 million consumers throughout the US.

Trump Suggests Holding Republican National Convention in 2026

President Trump may call on the RNC to host a Convention midway through his presidential term, sometime before congressional elections in 2026.

US Economy Grew 3.3 Percent In Q2, Beating Prior Estimate

U.S. economy expanded at a 3.3% annualized pace in second quarter of 2025 with rate of growth exceeding earlier estimate and signaling economic strength.

Trump Says He Will Protect Social Security Amid Potential Congressional Cost-Cutting Proposals

Trump said his admin will protect Social Security and Medicaid, when asked which programs he would want to see cut in a congressional reconciliation bill.

Trump Admin Asks Military Base Near Chicago for Support on Immigration Operations

Naval Station Great Lakes was asked by DHS for โ€œlimited support in the form of facilities, infrastructure, and other logistical needs to support DHS operations.

DHS Proposes Revamp of Student and Exchange Visas, Citing Fraud and Abuse

The Dept of Homeland Security on Aug. 27 posted a draft version of proposed changes to temporary visas for overseas students and exchange visitors.

Trumpโ€™s 50 Percent Tariff on India Takes Effect

President Trumpโ€™s additional 25% tariff on India became effective at midnight on Aug. 27, bringing the total rate to 50% on many imports entering the US.
spot_img

Related Articles