Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has committed to conducting a comprehensive audit of Pentagon spending during his tenure in the Trump administration. Hegseth emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that American taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being utilized.
He acknowledged the need for greater financial oversight within the Pentagon, noting that while the Marine Corps has successfully passed audits for two consecutive years, the entire department must follow suit. Hegseth expressed his support for efforts to streamline processes, fast-track acquisitions, and eliminate wasteful spending.
In addition to the audit, Hegseth welcomed the assistance of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency in identifying further opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction. He also affirmed the Pentagon's commitment to President Trump's proposed 'golden dome' defense system, ensuring its inclusion in future budgets.
Looking ahead, Hegseth announced plans to travel to Europe for a NATO ministerial meeting, where discussions on the future of Ukraine and meetings with troops are on the agenda. He mentioned a meeting with his UK counterpart on Diego Garcia, a strategically significant British territory in the Indian Ocean, highlighting its importance in countering Chinese influence.
