Republicans Signal Hegseth Likely to Avoid Defense Budget Cuts

Two key Republicans are playing down concerns that the Trump administration and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will cut projected defense spending.

“They are looking for up to 8% from programs like making jet fuel out of seaweed and DEI,” Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in an interview, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. If such cuts don’t result in freeing up $50 billion as the defense secretary intends, “then we won’t get to the $50 billion,” Wicker added.

Hegseth’s Feb 18 memo instructs “senior Pentagon leadership,” combat commands, Defense Department agencies, the ...