The figures reflect grants and contracts awarded to outside entities, not salaries or routine personnel costs. While the numbers are shocking,
September spending spikes have occurred under multiple administrations, regardless of which party controlled the White House.
But much of the spending has been questioned for its lavish nature. In September, Hegseth spent nearly $100,000 on a Steinway & Sons grand piano to outfit the home of the Air Force chief of staff. A further $5.3 million was spent on Apple devices, including brand-new iPads, according to the report.
More funds were allocated to interior design, including $225.6 million for furniture, including $12,540 for fruit-basket stands and more than $60,000 for high-end furniture maker Herman Miller recliners. The report noted that the agency spent more money on furniture in 2025 than it has since 2014.
Perhaps most notable, though, was the food spending, which came in at more than $20 million. This included $15.1 million on rib-eye steak, $1 million of salmon, 272 orders of doughnuts for $139,224, $124,000 for ice-cream machines and $26,000 for sushi preparation tables.
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