Open the Books reports that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved spending more than $93 billion in September 2025. This included over $90 billion on grants and contracts, though the specific grants and contracts have not been disclosed. 9 million on lobster tail and $2 million on Alaskan king crab.
1 million on ribeye steak, $124,000 on new ice cream machines, and $139,224 on doughnut orders. 6 million on furniture. The furniture spending included $12,540 for fruit basket stands and over $60,000 for Herman Miller recliners.
Open the Books states that the Defense Department spent more money on furniture in 2025 than it has since 2014. 6 million on furniture every September since 2008, a 564% increase above typical annual furniture spending. Former President Barack Obama routinely spent between $300-$400 million on furniture in September during his years in office, while spending decreased under President Joe Biden partly due to federal employees working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
com quotes that an increase in military officials eating pricey meals has traditionally been viewed as a sign that something may be brewing, such as President Donald Trump's war in Iran. Open the Books notes that Hegseth has been dining well at the Pentagon since at least last spring. Due to federal funding rules, department heads face pressure to end their fiscal years without a surplus to avoid budget reduction questions in Congress.
The justification for the luxury food and furniture purchases remains unclear, and it is unknown if there are any ongoing investigations or audits into this spending.