‘There’s always money for war’: Bernie Sanders slams military spending, urges change in priorities

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Bernie Sanders aimed at US military spending, arguing the country keeps finding cash for wars while domestic needs fall short.

The Vermont independent tore into decades of military outlays.

"War in Iraq: $2.1 trillion; War in Afghanistan: $2.3 trillion; Projected cost of the war in Iran: $1 trillion; Somehow, there is always money for war, but never enough money for housing, education, or the needs of working people," Sanders lamented in a post on X. "We must and will change our national priorities."

His remarks landed as fresh figures emerged from the Pentagon showing just how quickly costs are piling up in the current Iran conflict.

Pentagon pegs Iran war cost at $25 billion and counting

At a House Armed Services Committee hearing, acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III told lawmakers the US has already burned through tens of billions.

"Approximately, of this day, we're spending about $25 billion on Operation Epic Fury," Hurst told the committee's top Democrat, Rep Adam Smith. He said the bulk of the spending is tied to munitions, along with operations, maintenance, and replacing equipment.

Pressed on whether the Pentagon would seek more funds, Hurst said, "We will formulate a supplemental, through the White House, that will come to Congress once we have a full assessment of the cost of the conflict."

He later promised more transparency after questions from Rep Maggie Goodlander, saying a breakdown would be provided. For now, the figure "just reflects the costs of the war," he said. "So we’ve already spent the dollars on munitions and things like that, so we’re factoring in costs of munitions expended in that total."

The total, Hurst added, "reflects the munitions that have been spent to date and other operational costs."

That didn’t sit well with Goodlander, who fired back at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, "We are 60 days in to your war of choice in Iran, and you can’t give us an answer on the basic breakdown of American taxpayer dollars that have been spent?”

Asked whether the funds were pulled from elsewhere, Hurst replied, "The department deals with contingency operations all the time within its normal budget."

Earlier estimates show the meter started running fast. Pentagon officials told Congress in March that the war racked up $11.3 billion in just its first six days.

Trump's rhetoric, rising costs

The financial strain comes as global energy markets wobble, with gas prices climbing amid the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Behind the scenes, President Donald Trump met with energy executives to weigh next steps on Iran, including the ongoing blockade of its ports and how to soften the blow for American consumers.

But Trump’s earlier rhetoric drew major backlash.

On Wednesday, he warned Iran that it "better get smart soon" as talks stalled. Earlier this month, he posted on Truth Social, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**n’ Strait, you crazy b****s, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

Sanders lashed out at the time.

“One month after starting the war in Iran, this is the statement of the President of the United States on Easter Sunday," he said. "These are the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual. Congress has got to act NOW. End this war.”