Summary
A report by Open the Books found that the Pentagon spent $93.4 billion in September 2025, a record for a single month by a federal agency. This spending included over $20 million on luxury food and high-end items, driven by a "use-it-or-lose-it" budget rule. The report has sparked debate over the need to change federal spending practices.
Key Facts
- The Department of Defense spent $93.4 billion in September 2025, the highest single-month expenditure by a federal agency.
- The spending included $15.1 million on rib-eye steak, $6.9 million on lobster tail, and $2 million on Alaskan king crab.
- Nearly $100,000 was spent on a Steinway & Sons grand piano for the Air Force chief of staff's home.
- An additional $5.3 million was used to buy Apple devices, including new iPads.
- The Pentagon spent more money on furniture in 2025 than in any year since 2014, including $225.6 million in total.
- Spending increases are linked to the "use-it-or-lose-it" budget rule, pushing agencies to use funds before the fiscal year's end.
- Open the Books criticized the spending as wasteful and suggested Congress consider allowing more budget carryover to reduce such expenditures.
- The Pentagon has not publicly responded to the report.
