Schumer Criticized for Attacking Hegseth Over Military Spending, While Biden-Era Receipts Show Similar Costs

Critics accuse Schumer of cherry-picking spending to criticize, ignoring comparable expenses under the Biden administration.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is facing backlash for criticizing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the Pentagon's spending on luxury items, including food for the military, despite similar expenses under former Biden administration Pentagon chief, Lloyd Austin. Social media users have accused Schumer of being selective in his criticism and ignoring comparable defense spending under the Biden era.

Why it matters

This case highlights the partisan nature of political criticism, with Schumer seemingly targeting Hegseth's spending while overlooking similar expenses under the previous administration. It raises questions about the consistency and fairness of such criticisms, as well as the broader debate around defense spending and its priorities.

The details

Schumer criticized Hegseth's $93.4 billion in spending in the final month of fiscal year 2025, which included millions of dollars on steak, seafood, and furniture, arguing that the money could have been used to extend the Affordable Care Act. However, data shows that Austin's spending under the Biden administration nearly mirrored Hegseth's, with both administrations spending heavily on items like lobster tail, ribeye steak, and Alaskan king crab to feed military personnel. Schumer has not been known to scrutinize Austin's spending in a similar manner.

  • In September 2025, Hegseth's spending at the Pentagon reached $93.4 billion, the highest level since September 2008.
  • In September 2024, under the Biden administration, Austin's Pentagon spending reached $79.1 billion, the previous record holder.

The players

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York, who has criticized the Pentagon's spending under Hegseth but not under the Biden administration.

Pete Hegseth

The current Secretary of War, who oversaw $93.4 billion in Pentagon spending in September 2025, which included millions on luxury items.

Lloyd Austin

The former Pentagon chief under the Biden administration, whose spending in September 2024 nearly mirrored Hegseth's, including on items like lobster tail and ribeye steak.

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What they’re saying

“Hegseth spent $93 billion in one month – roughly the cost of extending the ACA tax credits for THREE YEARS. But instead of lowering American's healthcare costs, Hegseth used millions of taxpayer dollars on fruit baskets, Herman Miller recliners, ice cream machines, Alaskan King Crabs, and a Steinway & Sons grand piano.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (foxnews.com)

“You said nothing in 2024.”

— Anonymous (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The Pentagon's spending practices and the consistency of political criticism around them will likely continue to be a topic of debate and scrutiny in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the partisan nature of political criticism, with Schumer seemingly targeting Hegseth's spending while overlooking similar expenses under the previous administration. It raises questions about the fairness and consistency of such criticisms, as well as the broader debate around defense spending priorities.