The US Department of Defense spent more than $93 billion in September 2025, including $9 million on luxury seafood such as crab legs and lobster, according to a new analysis by government watchdog Open the Books. The spending spree, approved by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, also included $15.1 million on ribeye steak, $124,000 on ice cream machines, and $139,224 on doughnuts.
Military.com notes that a surge in expensive meals for military officials has historically been a sign of impending conflict, such as President Donald Trump's war in Iran. The Pentagon also spent $5.3 million on Apple devices, including iPads, and nearly $100,000 on a Steinway & Sons grand piano for the Air Force chief of staff's residence.
The analysis reveals that the department spent $225.6 million on furniture in September, including $12,540 on fruit basket stands and over $60,000 on Herman Miller recliners. This is the highest furniture spending since 2014, though former President Barack Obama routinely spent between $300 million and $400 million on furniture in September during his tenure.
Open the Books CEO John Hart criticised the wasteful year-end spending, saying it contradicts Hegseth's stated mission to refocus on warfighting and lethality. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the spending in a social media post, while Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury announced plans to investigate. Senator Chuck Schumer called Hegseth a 'grifter'.
