The Trump administration has the potential to enhance U.S. national security while saving taxpayers over $60 billion by addressing inefficiencies in Pentagon spending, according to a report released by The Quincy Institute, Stimson Center, and Taxpayers for Common Sense.

Gabe Murphy from Taxpayers for Common Sense, who co-authored the report with William Hartung of the Quincy Institute and Julia Gledhill of the Stimson Center, stated that "President Trump’s stated commitments to rein in waste and inefficiency in federal spending and strengthen national security are not at odds, in fact they are mutually reinforcing." Hartung added that "targeted Pentagon spending cuts can not only save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars per year, they can also sharpen America’s military by keeping it focused on the strategies and programs that work."

The report titled "Keys to Developing a More Efficient, Effective Defense at a Lower Cost" suggests that eliminating dysfunctional weapons systems and outdated business practices could lead to more security at reduced costs. It outlines four main categories where the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should consider making cuts.

Julia Gledhill emphasized that "ignoring Pentagon waste is fiscally irresponsible and damaging to U.S. national security," suggesting opportunities for cost reduction while advancing effective national security policies.

The authors propose significant savings through specific program cuts: halting the F-35 combat aircraft program could save $12 billion annually; cutting the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program could save $3.7 billion annually; reducing bureaucratic spending by 15% could result in $26 billion savings per year; and targeted closures and realignments of military bases with excess capacity could yield an additional $3-5 billion annually. Murphy highlighted that "defunding weapons that are overpriced, underperforming, and out of step with current missions... would allow us to invest more in real priorities while also tackling the nation’s tremendous debt."

Taxpayers for Common Sense is a non-partisan organization advocating responsible federal spending. The Quincy Institute promotes diplomacy over coercive force in U.S. foreign policy. The Stimson Center focuses on international security through research and policy innovation.