I’ve read a lot about the depth of cuts that would be required for Elon Musk and DOGE to reach their original $2 TRILLION goal. It would take a lot of deep cuts that seem to be unlikely to realistically happen.
But there is one easy way to cut that much funding…
Nuclear weapons modernization plans present a potential area for substantial savings.
The Pentagon’s three-decade, $2 trillion plan to build a new generation of nuclear-armed bombers, missiles, and submarines could be a prime target for budget reduction.
Specifically, the new intercontinental ballistic missile program, called the Sentinel, has been criticized as not only unnecessary but potentially dangerous. Former Secretary of Defense William Perry has described it as “one of the most dangerous weapons we have” due to the increased risk of accidental nuclear war.
Some experts argue that canceling or reducing these nuclear modernization plans would not compromise U.S. security.
Instead, they suggest that pursuing a new nuclear arms race in the current global climate of extreme tension is counterproductive.
While Musk’s DOGE team has been examining various federal agencies for potential budget cuts, including the Treasury Department and USAID, they have not yet publicly focused on defense spending.
However, progressive groups and some lawmakers see potential common ground with DOGE on reducing the Pentagon’s budget.
It’s worth noting that Musk’s role in this process has sparked controversy, given his business interests in government contracts and his unprecedented level of influence over federal spending decisions. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins has expressed concern about Musk’s empowerment within the Trump administration, stating that “a lot of it is going to end up in court”.