(DCNF)—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a trio of memos Wednesday intended to cut wasteful spending and improve efficiency at the Department of Defense (DoD).
Hegseth’s orders halt additional non-DoD IT or consulting contracts without prior review by Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, heavily restrict the use of executive assistants and streamline weapons testing and review at the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (ODOT&E). The orders were issued in coordination with the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) work to eliminate waste across the entire federal government, with Hegseth claiming in an accompanying Wednesday X post that the Pentagon has already saved $10 billion total “in real savings” from cost-cutting initiatives.
“We’re committed to reducing bloated bureaucracy and wasteful spending in favor of increased lethality,” Hegseth said in the video posted to X. “That’s a trade off I will take every single day. Converting consultants into combat power, that’s what we’re doing here at the Defense Department.”
Hegseth ordered Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Steven Morani to review current IT and consulting contracts at the Pentagon to identify wasteful or redundant contracts, according to the order’s text. IT contracts under $10 million and consulting services under $1 million will be exempt from the cuts, as well as contracts that deal with critical areas, such as engineering, weapon system programs and major defense acquisition programs, among others.
Agencies within the DOD are prohibited from reclassifying or splitting contracts into smaller pieces to skirt the requirements, according to Hegseth’s order.
“We likely have more contractors than we have civilian employees,” Hegseth noted in the video posted to X.
Executive Assistants (EA) — defined as a person responsible for scheduling, calendar management, travel coordination, communication and other functions — will be heavily limited for various senior personnel at the Pentagon in order to control “EA-related administrative costs,” Hegseth wrote in the accompanying memo. Affected offices will include all undersecretaries of defense and the Inspector General of the DOD, among other offices.
Moreover, the ODOT&E will reduce its civilian workforce to only 30 members, having no more than 15 military personnel and one Senior Executive Service member, Hegseth ordered. Additionally, Hegseth ordered the ODOT&E to “immediately eliminate any non-statutory or redundant functions” in order to reduce “bureaucratic overhead.”
The ODOT&E is responsible for testing weapons programs and reviewing their efficacy in combat, according to the agency’s website. The defense secretary argued in the memo that the cuts to ODOT&E will save an estimated $300 million per year.
Hegseth — who cancelled cancelled $580 million dollars worth of contracts in March — has made “restoring the warrior ethos” a key goal at DoD while cutting initiatives secondary to that core objective, he said in his X video.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s uncertain world, where skyrocketing medical costs and bureaucratic red tape threaten the very fabric of the American way of life, protecting your family’s health and financial future has never been more critical. Medical bills remain the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with millions of hardworking Americans either uninsured, underinsured, or overburdened by premiums that don’t deliver real value. But what if there was a way to secure top-tier coverage that aligns with your conservative values, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind?
Enter America First Healthcare—a private insurance agency dedicated to empowering freedom-loving patriots like you to reclaim control over your healthcare destiny.
Founded by Jordan Sarmiento, a dynamic entrepreneur and former touring musician who knows firsthand the highs and lows of navigating America’s complex insurance landscape, America First Healthcare stands as a beacon for those who believe in small government, personal responsibility, and the enduring American Dream. Jordan’s own journey underscores the company’s mission: after a harrowing six-day hospital stay that racked up a $95,000 bill, his Conservative Care Coverage through America First Healthcare reduced his out-of-pocket expenses to just $500. This isn’t just insurance—it’s a shield against the financial pitfalls that plague so many families, ensuring you’re prepared for life’s unexpected turns without sacrificing your principles.
At its core, America First Healthcare is about more than policies; it’s about shared values. In an era where “woke” policies and liberal ideologies seem to infiltrate every corner of society, this agency prioritizes serving conservatives who value freedom and self-reliance. They offer a suite of essential services designed to fortify your life, including:
- Health Insurance: Tailored plans that keep your family healthy and ready to thrive, addressing the gaps that leave 41 million Americans vulnerable to preventable chronic diseases and inadequate coverage.
- Life Insurance: Protection that secures your loved ones’ future, ensuring your legacy endures.
- Business Insurance: Safeguards for your enterprise, preserving the income that fuels your independence.
What sets America First Healthcare apart is their commitment to personalization and savings. Start with their complimentary Free Insurance Review, where experts evaluate your current policies to uncover hidden gaps, eliminate over insurance, and potentially slash your costs by up to 20%. Whether you’re among the 27 million uninsured, the 44% underinsured on marketplace plans, or the 33% feeling squeezed by high premiums, their team crafts customized solutions that deliver better coverage at rates that respect your wallet. And with ongoing support from advisors who share your worldview, you’ll never feel alone in the fight for affordable, reliable protection.
Clients rave about the difference America First makes. Families across the nation have switched to better health insurance for less, resting easy knowing they’ve partnered with a company that puts America first. As one satisfied customer might say, it’s not just about policies—it’s about preserving the freedoms that make this country great.
Don’t let liberal overreach or financial uncertainty derail your dreams. Take the first step toward unbreakable security today by visiting for your Free Insurance Review. With America First Healthcare, you’re not just insured—you’re empowered to live the life you deserve. Act now, because your American Dream is worth protecting.
