Hegseth on seeking $200 billion for Iran war: "That number could move"

"Obviously it takes money to kill bad guys, so we're going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that we're properly funded for what's been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition is refilled, and not just refilled, but above and beyond."

"They do need to come to Capitol Hill and tell us what that money is going to be spent on. I think we give the Pentagon a trillion dollars a year, you would think that would be enough, but we're going to have to do something."

"$200 billion is more than the annual defense spending of every country on Earth except the U.S. and China, and many times more than even some of the world's largest militaries spend."

The Pentagon has requested more than $200 billion from the White House to send to Congress for accelerating weapons system production and ensuring adequate ammunition stockpiles following expenditures in the ongoing war. Pentagon leadership confirmed the need for additional funding to replenish supplies and prepare for future contingencies. The $200 billion request significantly exceeds the reported billions already spent on the war. Some congressional members questioned the figure's necessity, noting the Pentagon already receives approximately one trillion dollars annually. The request is expected to become a focal point for congressional debate on war funding and policy.

Read at Axios