Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Editor, Times-Union:
As millions of families in America are struggling to find, purchase and prepare wholesome, healthy, affordable meals for their families, it should be a comfort to know that at least the people in Washington whose substantial salaries we pay are certainly eating well. According to a recent newsletter posted by The Independent, the “U.S. military spent $9 million on crab legs and lobsters in September.” The government watchdog, Open the Books, as well as Military.com, report that the defense department, under Pete Hegseth’s direction has been feeding military officials more than the mac and cheese and PB&J’s that the American people are “enjoying.”
Expenditures last September alone included $6.9 million on lobster tail, $2 million on Alaskan king crab, and $7.4 million on lobster tail in the months of March, May, June, and October of 2025. “Hegseth also spent $15.1 million on ribeye steaks, $124,000 for new ice cream machines, $134,224 on doughnut orders, and $12,540 for fruit basket stands.”
Pricey food is not the only extravagance attributed to Hegseth. Other lavish expenditures of our tax money include a $100,000 Steinway & Sons grand piano for the Air Force chief of staff’s home; and the Pentagon spent $5.3 million on new Apple devices and $225.6 million for furniture, including $60,000+ for high-end recliners. All of this spending came only weeks before “millions of Americans lost access to their SNAP food benefits.”
Now will someone please explain what Pete Hegseth meant when he said in February, 2025, that “he welcomed a ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ review of defense spending to help him find ways to reduce waste.” Was that review ever done? And, if so, by what unqualified genius was it done? Was he or she paid in seafood, ice cream, and doughnuts?
By the way, why is it that championship sports teams are fed just good old burgers and fries when they are invited to the White House? Not enough money in your budget, Donald?
P.S. It has been reported that the average American family, in addition to higher gas, food, health care, and housing costs, is now paying an estimated $300 per month to pay for Trump’s war/excursion/distraction.
Jeanne Tuka Schutz
Winona Lake, via email
