Russell Vought says Iran war budget ask not ready, won't ballpark cost
CNBC • • nation
Key Points:
- White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought told lawmakers he could not estimate the total cost of the Iran war and that the Trump administration has not yet prepared a supplemental funding request for Congress.
- Vought indicated the administration is still determining funding needs for the current and next fiscal years, declining to provide even a ballpark figure when asked.
- Harvard Kennedy School professor Linda Bilmes estimated the war could cost taxpayers up to $1 trillion, highlighting the potential long-term financial impact.
- The Trump administration's fiscal 2027 budget proposes a 44% increase in defense spending to $1.5 trillion, alongside a 10% cut to nondefense spending.
- Reports suggest the White House may request between $80 billion and $100 billion for the Iran war, significantly less than the Pentagon’s initial $200 billion proposal.
