Pentagon Halts Planned Layoffs as Sweeping Budget Cuts Loom

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's proposed 8% annual reductions spark debate over military readiness and program priorities.

The Defense Department has paused layoffs of over 50,000 probationary employees to assess potential impacts on military readiness.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to plan for annual 8% budget cuts through 2030, amounting to $375 billion in reductions.
Seventeen defense spending categories, including nuclear modernization and border operations, have been exempted from the proposed cuts.
Critics argue the cuts could disproportionately affect Army programs, civilian workforce levels, and promising new development efforts.
Congressional opposition is anticipated, as lawmakers often resist cuts to legacy programs tied to jobs in their districts.