SerpApi.Org
Pete Hegseth's Department of War might not be ready to live up to its name after the Trump official is being forced to cut back on basic training and routine maintenance due to the cost of the ongoing war with Iran.
Speaking to the Washington Post, current and former DoD officials revealed just how dire the cash situation has become for Hegseth as the Pentagon has been forced to limit training. While President Donald Trump begs Congress to give the department a much-needed $67 billion to make up for the deficit caused by the 5-month conflict, Hegseth's plans to improve the things may be put on hold.
It was noted by The Post that “lawmakers are gridlocked over how to proceed," and with Congress going into a month-long recess on Thursday, any additional funding on any deal could be "weeks away at the earliest." Both Hegseth and the Office of Management and Budget head, Russell Vought, appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday to beg for more money.
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The OMB head has previously insisted that the months-long war has cost taxpayers only about $30 billion; however, several independent analyses have claimed the figure is much higher. According to the study, the original estimation does not include the estimated cost of rebuilding American bases that were destroyed in Tehran's attacks.
Both former and current officials have stated on the record that the Pentagon's attempts to fill the gaps have been "limited or canceled." The news of the Pentagon's lack of funds comes as Hegseth announced that he and the department would be rolling out testosterone therapy for the troops.
Gender-affirming care?
In a nearly three-minute video, Hegseth outlined his plan for a "High-T" Department of War. "At the Department of War, we have the most elite warriors on the face of the Earth," Hegseth, donning a white shirt and red and white striped tie, said.
"Every single day, you are pushed to your absolute physical and mental limits to master the profession of arms," he added. "We demand your all, and you give it. But while we invest heavily in our weapons systems, platforms, and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter."
According to Hegseth, the U.S. had a "sacred duty to maintain that advantage Which is why we must constantly look for new ways to optimize your performance, your resilience, and your long-term health." The Trump official stated that in order to meet the goals, he was "authorizing a new screening program for testosterone deficiency for our service members, ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best."
Hegseth added that it was "well-established science that as we age, testosterone levels often naturally drop." He added that anyone over 30 who served in the army would receive the screening as part of their annual "periodic health assessment."
The Trump official claimed that the initiative was about "restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight." He continued, "We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation."
Hegseth's video was later mocked by many people, claiming that the U.S. Military was providing gender affirming care for its members.
