Hegseth Defends Steak, Lobster Meals Amid Budget Criticism

0:00On March 17th, U.S. troops are pushing back hard against claims that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on personal, stake and lobster dinners. CNN commentator Paul Bugala accused him of spurging $15 million on ribeye and nearly $7 million on lobster tails, painting it as, luxury for the top brass. But service members share photos with a daily meal showing cafeteria-style meals with small lobster tails and basic ribeye served to everyone on. Trays These special meals came in the months before the military build up against Iran as a tradition to boost morale during intense planning and late shifts. A former service member explained it's common across branches to give troops a good meal ahead of bait operations, especially for reserves and guards, called up suddenly. Politicians jumped in quick. California Governor Gavin Newsom posted an AI-generated image, mocking Hegseth, lounging with lobster and a grand piano.

1:00Senate leader Chuck Schumer called him a grifter for buying things like recliners, ice cream machines, and a laskin king crab alongside the food. Watchdog analysis shows the Pentagon spent $93 billion in September 2025 alone. The biggest monthly tab for any agency, in years, to burn through the budget before fiscal year end, that included $2 million on king crab and even a nearly $100,000 grand piano for an Air Force residence. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel War with Iran hits its 18th day with oil prices spiking after blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. A top counterterrorism official resigned in protest, saying the fight stemmed from Israeli pressure, and President Trump lashed out at NATO allies for. Sitting it out.