$1,300 coffee cups, 8,000% overpay for soap dispensers show waste as DOGE locks in on Pentagon

s largest discretionary budget. Lawmakers often prioritize funding for defense programs in their home states, where defense contractors provide jobs and economic stimulus.

However, with the rising national debt and growing concerns over wasteful spending, there may be more appetite for reform this time around. Elon Musk’s team of efficiency experts, known for their ruthless approach to cost-cutting, may find support among fiscal conservatives and deficit hawks in Congress.

One area that could see significant savings is the outsourcing of government functions to contractors. The Pentagon currently spends billions of dollars each year on contractors for services that could be performed more cost-effectively in-house. By renegotiating service contracts and streamlining bureaucratic processes, the Department of Government Efficiency team could save taxpayers billions of dollars.

Another target for cost-cutting could be bloated weapons programs like the F-35 stealth fighter jet and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. These programs have been plagued by cost overruns and delays, making them prime candidates for elimination. By redirecting funds from outdated and inefficient weapons programs to more pressing national security priorities, the government could save billions of dollars while maintaining a strong defense posture.

In addition to cutting waste and inefficiency in defense programs, the Department of Government Efficiency team may also look at base realignment and closure. By shutting down unnecessary military bases and realigning forces to better reflect modern strategic priorities, the government could save billions of dollars in maintenance and operational costs.

Overall, President Donald Trump’s push for cost-cutting in the Pentagon is a bold and ambitious initiative that could yield significant savings for taxpayers. By targeting waste, fraud, and abuse in defense programs, Musk and his team have the potential to make a real impact on the nation’s finances while ensuring that the U.S. military remains strong and ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.