Pete Hegseth proposes new testosterone screening for soldiers while the administration seeks a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a "High-T Department of War" by requiring annual testosterone screenings for soldiers aged 30 and older. The administration announced that male service members found with lower than normal levels can volunteer for testosterone replacement therapy to improve lethality. However, a federal judge has requested that the administration explain why the policy promotes treatment for cisgender troops while simultaneously attempting to ban trans identified service members. Beyond hormone levels, Pete Hegseth is advocating for a massive $454 billion increase in the 2027 Pentagon budget, bringing the total request to nearly $1.5 trillion. While the administration has made significant cuts elsewhere, the Pentagon is seeking these "generational investments" to fund the Iran war and new "Trump-class battleships." Critics have noted that while the administration seeks more funding, the Iran war has already cost an estimated $37.5 billion to $100 billion. Additionally, the administration is utilizing the reconciliation process to pass these costs without a filibuster, ensuring the military remains well-funded despite the high costs of precision-guided munitions.