Trump's week in review: Pentagon wants $200B for Iran war; fraud task force launched
4. Pentagon defends request for $200B in additional funding for war in Iran
At a press conference Thursday, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was asked about reports that the Pentagon is asking the White House to request $200 billion from Congress to pay for expenses related to Iran. Hegseth responded by insisting, “I think that number could move,” while maintaining that additional money is necessary for the Trump administration to carry out its objectives at home and abroad.
“It takes money to kill bad guys,” he said. Hegseth identified the purpose of the money as “ensur[ing] that we’re properly funded for what’s been done,” as well as “what we may have to do in the future.” He detailed how additional money would make sure “everything’s refilled and not just refilled but above and beyond.”
Hegseth characterized the money as “an investment” to “say ‘hey, we’ll replace anything that was spent.’” He maintained that additional spending is necessary because Trump “rebuilt the military in his first term” and the U.S. is “reviving our defense industrial base and rebuilding the arsenal of freedom.”
Some White House officials question if the funding request has a true shot of being approved by Congress, The Washington Post reported.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
