United States Senate Democrats

09/30/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2025 15:35

Schumer: Trump & Hegseth Torch Over $6 Million Of Taxpayer Money On Pointless Political Stunt – Yanking Nation’s Top Generals From The Field And Turning The Pentagon Into A[...]

Washington, D.C. - Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today slammed President Trump & Secretary Hegseth's reckless stunt that yanked hundreds of America's top generals and admirals from their posts around the world, jeopardized national security, cost American taxpayers over $6 million, and turned the Pentagon into a political prop. Defense experts estimate that the costs of air travel and lodging could cost taxpayers $6 million, requiring unprecedented security and risking our national defense.

"Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth just yanked our nation's top generals from the field, turned the Pentagon into a political prop, and lit $6 million of taxpayer money on fire - not to strengthen America's defenses, not to outmaneuver China or Russia, not to make our country safer - but to stage a political pep rally and feed Donald Trump's fragile ego.

"Every general and admiral pulled from command for this stunt is one less leader on the frontlines protecting our nation. Our military is unquestionably the best in the world, well-funded and well-trained and disciplined warfighters. What they don't need is for Secretary Hegseth to give them a fake TED talk about 'warrior ethos' headlined by a guy who shirked military service. Rather than forcing Americans to pay for a pointless political stunt, the Trump administration should allow our military leaders to focus on doing their jobs commanding our men and women in uniform with professionalism and by following the law."

Here's where Americans' money was wasted according to Defense experts:

  • Estimated $4 million in air travel, lodging and other travel costs to yank generals from every corner of the globe on short notice.
  • Estimated $2 million for extra base costs like overtime, food, and security for hundreds of officers and aides.
  • Untold millions of dollars for motorcades and security so Trump could parade generals around like props, not to mention the opportunity costs for diverting military assets from important activities such as the lost training at Quantico for hundreds of personnel at the base's schools.

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