Hegseth on $200B Iran war funding request: ‘It takes money to kill bad guys’
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The Bottom Line
Pentagon requests $200 billion in funding for ongoing Iran war operations, defended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
How This Affects You
This $200 billion war funding request may increase federal debt servicing costs and constrain domestic spending on healthcare, infrastructure, or social programs you depend on.
AI Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a $200 billion Pentagon funding request for the ongoing war against Iran, telling reporters Thursday that "it takes money to kill bad guys" and suggesting the figure could change. The request was submitted to the White House as part of broader budget discussions within the Trump administration. Hegseth's comments signal the Pentagon's push for substantial military resources to sustain operations in the conflict, while his openness to adjusting the number suggests potential negotiation over final appropriations. The funding request underscores the administration's commitment to the Iran campaign, though the actual amount Congress approves remains uncertain.
What's Being Done
The Pentagon submitted a $200 billion funding request to the White House for the Iran war.
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Hegseth says potential $200 billion Iran war spending request could shift: 'Takes money to kill bad guys' - CNBC
REPLAY: Pentagon press conference on war in Middle East
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday there is no "time frame" for ending the US-Israeli war against Iran, which was launched three weeks ago. "We wouldn't want to set a definitive time frame," Hegseth told a news conference, adding that "we're very much on track" and that President Donald Trump will be the one to decide when to stop. Hegseth also addressed a report that the Pentagon has requested more than $200 billion in additional funding from Congress to pay for the conflict.
PoliticsSwiss reject two flyover requests from US for flights related to Iran war, permits three others - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi1AFBVV95cUxQYUJjY0VIbU01ZHNSa19oUlhhRG54bDhlWGEyOTdyZExUdVc3TkJuWE1pQ09DSXhTbDFEeGFJRnBITUpJQ2MwQTZZLWtaZkFjcWtnOWcwYXhTUHkxRXdOSDZiUEtmSEdCQ2JORUF2NHpCbUpoUktjV2huMHl4bm44NW1LS212R3VCN2xOT1BsTEUtdDFuZi05Z09EclRMS2sxU0RIUUtyZXR3NVJDYm94Q2l4bHBzalFTN3FNTFBvVm1weXp2YXptU1VwR2EzcDBNOXpnbA?oc=5" target="_blank">Swiss reject two flyover requests from US for flights related to Iran war, permits three others</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsPete Hegseth attacks media for not being positive enough about US attacks on Iran
<p>US defense head is eager to frame operation as a success – and slam journalists for not portraying it in a positive light</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a> on Friday again claimed the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-military">US military</a> campaign against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/iran">Iran</a> has been an unprecedented success, using a Pentagon press conference to accuse journalists of downplaying Washington’s supposed gains on the battlefield.</p><p>Speaking alongside the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, the US defens...
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