The US military budget is more than just numbers on a page – it’s a reflection of the priorities that shape a society. Right now, that nearly trillion-dollar budget is bloated, inefficient, and far removed from the needs of everyday people in the US. We (CODEPINK) identified six simple yet effective ways to cut at least USD 100 billion from the Pentagon’s budget – without sacrificing even the most hawkish of war hawk’s sense of national security. Ready to take the scissors to that excess spending? Here’s how it can be done.
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Halt the F-35 program (save USD 12B+ per year)
The F-35 is the poster child for military mismanagement. It’s a fighter jet that was supposed to revolutionize the US military – except it’s plagued by cost overruns, delays, and underperformance. Despite a projected lifetime cost of over USD 2 trillion, this aircraft only meets mission requirements about 30% of the time. If the F-35 program was ended or paused now, USD 12 billion would be freed up annually. The military-industrial complex can afford a few less fancy jets that destroy land and lives, especially when they don’t even do their job right.
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Reassess long-range missile defense (save USD 9.3B+ per year)
For over half a century, the US has sunk an eye-watering USD 400 billion into long-range missile defense systems that have never delivered. The cold, hard truth is these systems are ineffective against real-world threats. In fact, no missile defense technology has ever proven capable of neutralizing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attack. Cutting back on these programs would save us USD 9.3 billion per year – money that could be better spent on diplomacy initiatives that actually work.
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Cut the Sentinel ICBM program (save USD 3.7B+ per year)
ICBMs were once the crown jewels of the nuclear deterrence strategy of the US, but they’re outdated in today’s geopolitical climate. With more reliable and flexible platforms like submarines, bombers, and emerging hypersonic technologies, maintaining an expensive, high-risk ICBM arsenal makes little sense. Ending the Sentinel ICBM program would save taxpayers USD 3.7 billion annually, and even more in the long run, with total savings over its lifespan estimated at USD 310 billion. It’s time to face facts: the US doesn’t need to keep pouring money into a strategy that no longer aligns with modern defense needs. Especially when the best nuclear deterrence system is ending nuclear weapons programs to begin with.
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Cease procurement of aircraft carriers (save USD 2.3B+ per year)
Aircraft carriers are relics of a bygone era, costing billions to build and maintain, while becoming increasingly vulnerable to modern missile technology. These floating cities are no longer the symbols of naval power they once were. By halting new aircraft carrier procurements, the US can save USD 2.3 billion a year – money that could be better allocated to things that actually keep people safe in the 21st century like housing, healthcare or climate justice.
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Cut redundant contracts by 15% (save USD 26B per year)
The Pentagon’s bureaucracy is a cash cow for contractors – more than 500,000 private sector workers are paid to do redundant and often wasteful work. Many contracts overlap or go toward projects that are, frankly, unnecessary. Cutting back just 15% on these contracts would save USD 26 billion annually. That’s a massive chunk of change that could be reallocated to more efficient and effective defense projects. Want a starting point? Look no further than SpaceX’s lucrative contracts – it’s time these companies are held accountable. Maybe DOGE knows a guy there?
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Prioritize diplomacy (save USD 50B+ per year)
The best way to avoid unnecessary military spending is to prevent conflicts from happening in the first place. By focusing on diplomatic solutions instead of military interventions, the US can scale back expensive overseas bases, reduce troop deployments, and use reserves and National Guard units more effectively. This shift could save up to USD 50 billion a year – and possibly as much as USD 100 billion in the long term. It’s about time resources be put into creating peaceful solutions rather than preparing for endless wars.
What could be done with the USD 100 billion in savings?
The possibilities are endless a more practical approach to national security spending is taken. What could be done with the USD 100 billion that’s saved? Here’s a snapshot of just some of the incredible investments that could be made in US society:
- 787,255 Registered Nurses: Filling critical healthcare gaps nationwide.
- 10.39 million public housing units: Making affordable housing a reality for families across the US.
- 2.29 million jobs at USD 15/hour: Providing good jobs with benefits, boosting the economy.
- 1.03 million Elementary School teachers: Giving children the education they deserve.
- 579,999 clean energy jobs: Building a sustainable, green future for the next generation.
- 7.81 million Head Start slots: Giving young children a foundation for lifelong success.
- 5.88 million Military Veterans receiving VA medical care: Ensuring that veterans receive proper care.
The Bottom Line?
Cutting USD 100 billion from the Pentagon budget isn’t just a pipe dream – it’s a tangible, achievable plan that could deliver real benefits to everyday people in the US. While it’s just a starting point, this reduction would allow what truly matters to be prioritized: healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the well-being of people. If taxpayer dollars are going to be spent, they should go toward initiatives that directly benefit the lives of the citizens who fund them.
Melissa Garriga is the communications and media relations manager for CODEPINK. She writes about the intersection of militarism and the human cost of war.
