Official: Pentagon faces scrutiny over $80 million in wasteful spending VIDEO

Pentagon Press Secretary Sean Parnell has announced that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the oversight of tech magnate Elon Musk, has uncovered $80 million in wasteful spending within the Pentagon that could potentially be saved.

"We believe that these initial findings will probably save $80 million in wasteful spending," Sean Parnell said in a video post on X, Caliber.Az reports. 

"Today's actions are just the start. More to come this week," Parnell said, adding Pentagon works "hand in glove" with DOGE. 

.@DOGE_DOD has found at least $80M in DEI and other wasteful spending. @SeanParnellUSA says this is “just the start.” https://t.co/wsjQpT6IY5

— Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) March 4, 2025

Among the flagged expenses, Parnell highlighted several that were deemed unnecessary. 

One notable item was $1.9 million spent by the US Air Force on a "comprehensive transformation and training programme" focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Additionally, $6 million was allocated to the University of Montana for a programme aimed at "strengthening American democracy by bridging divisions." Furthermore, $1.6 million was earmarked for the University of Florida to explore "social and institutional factors influencing vulnerability and resilience to climate threats in the African Sahel." 

While Parnell did not elaborate on the terms of these contracts or whether the Pentagon could face penalties if they are terminated, the findings have sparked concerns over unnecessary spending. However, the identified cuts are relatively small compared to the Pentagon’s vast budget, which exceeds $850 billion, suggesting that while the amount is notable, its impact on the overall budget is minimal.

By Naila Huseynova