US Administration to Redirect $50 Billion in Pentagon Funds; Generals May Be Dismissed, Reports Indicate
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Synopsis
New York, Feb 20 (NationPress) President Trump’s administration plans to cut $50 billion from the Pentagon budget, reallocating it to priority areas like illegal migration prevention. A list of generals who could be dismissed has been circulated among Republican lawmakers. Key programs, including operations at the U.S.-Mexico border, will remain funded.
Key Takeaways
- $50 billion cut from Pentagon budget
- Focus on illegal migration prevention
- List of generals for potential dismissal
- Indo-Pacific funding remains unchanged
- Exemptions include border operations and missile defense
New York, Feb 20 (NationPress) The administration of President Donald Trump is set to implement a $50 billion reduction in various segments of the Pentagon budget, reallocating funds to high-priority areas such as efforts to combat illegal migration.
A roster of generals and admirals who may face termination has been compiled and distributed to Republican lawmakers.
Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses has instructed defense officials to identify at least $50 billion that can be eliminated and redirected to 'programs that align with President Trump's priorities,' as reported by Military Times.
NBC indicated that funding for the Indo-Pacific region would remain untouched.
Previous reports suggested that the cuts would be around 8 percent and implied that these would represent net reductions to the total budget, which currently stands at $849.8 billion.
NBC stated that the list of potential firings specifically targets individuals closely tied to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, those who have worked on minority-focused initiatives, or individuals who have expressed views deemed politically misaligned with Trump's agenda.
It remains uncertain whether Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown is included in the list.
Trump has previously dismissed the head of the Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan, who was the highest-ranking female official.
As part of an ongoing initiative to reduce government personnel, numerous employees within the Defense Department have received termination notices.
NBC reported that aside from the Indo-Pacific, several other sectors are exempt from budget cuts.
These exemptions cover operations along the U.S.-Mexico border aimed at preventing illegal migration, missile defense systems, and autonomous weaponry.
Salesses noted that Trump's priorities include constructing the Iron Dome missile defense system and securing the borders while 'eliminating radical and wasteful government Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs' aimed at minorities.
