Army Secretary Pete Hegseth shared with the Daily Caller on Thursday that former President Joe Biden has significantly drained U.S. military reserves to provide support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. This remark came in the context of inquiries regarding funding for a potential war with Iran.
According to a report from the Washington Post, the Pentagon formally requested over $200 billion for war efforts related to Iran, a figure that may face challenges in Congress. Hegseth explained the necessity of these funds, indicating that some would be allocated to replenishing military stockpiles that have dwindled during the Biden administration.
During a Pentagon briefing, Daily Caller correspondent Regan Reese raised the question about the $200 billion request, seeking confirmation and an explanation for such a substantial amount. Hegseth noted, “The figure could fluctuate. It costs money to eliminate threats. We’ll engage with Congress to ensure proper funding for current and future needs and to make sure our ammunition supply is restored—indeed, we need more than just a simple refill.”
He elaborated on the situation created under Biden’s leadership, stating that the stockpile had been exhausted as resources were sent to Ukraine rather than reserved for U.S. military use. “So now, whenever we tackle our challenges, it circles back to supporting Ukraine,” Hegseth remarked.
The U.S. government estimated in early 2025 that over $66.5 billion had been pledged to Ukraine since Biden took office, according to a fact sheet. Key military supplies, such as three Patriot Air Defense Squadrons and various munitions, were dispatched during Biden’s administration. Reports indicate that the U.S. currently lacks essential interceptor missiles, particularly Patriot missiles, following extensive use of stockpiles in other regions.
The fact sheet also outlines that Ukraine received numerous defensive assets, including 12 Nationally Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and thousands of Stinger missiles, under the Biden administration’s watch. However, it appears that the U.S. has only about 25% of the necessary Patriot interceptor missiles left, leading the Trump administration to pause the transfer of such missiles to Ukraine.
This ongoing concern about military readiness has been a prominent topic, raising discussions about what assistance should continue to be provided to Ukraine. The Biden administration has facilitated a range of ground supplies as well, including vehicles and medical units. In 2022, the U.S. faced shortages of critical weaponry like the Javelin anti-armor system and Stinger missiles, as per the Center for Strategic and International Studies, though significant quantities of these were dispatched to Ukraine.
In response to concerns about the U.S. military’s missile interception abilities, Hegseth asserted that Iran would not outmatch the U.S., emphasizing that America would dictate the dynamics of any military confrontation through its capabilities. He mentioned plans for postwar scenarios, highlighting that the U.S. will prioritize its interests to avoid any nuclear threat posed by Iranian missiles. “We’re establishing our goals from the outset to ensure they lack nuclear strike capabilities,” Hegseth concluded.
