Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth is encountering backlash from some Democratic lawmakers after reports surfaced about Pentagon spending on upscale foods like steak and lobster. Joey Jones, a retired Marine and co-host on Fox News, had a response for those “woke” critics scrutinizing the military’s dining expenses.
A study conducted by the watchdog organization Open the Books revealed that the Army allocated $6.9 million on lobster and over $15 million on ribeye steaks.
Jones, who lost a leg during combat, defended this spending, expressing that such rare treats, offered occasionally to service members, play a significant role in boosting morale during tough deployments.
“Are you kidding me? It’s one of the few comforts we have while away from home. It’s about feeling valued, especially at times when you’re watching your comrades suffer. Is that what bothers you?” he remarked in a Thursday post.
He recalled a particular instance in Afghanistan during a tough summer when troops were treated to steak and lobster. It was a highlight during his tour.
Jones added, “For weeks after that occasion, we wouldn’t stop talking about those steak and lobster nights. It was the only decent meal I had overseas.” He contrasted this with the harsh reality of military service, mentioning a friend’s unfortunate injuries and subsequent death, which underscored the unpredictability of their situation.
Criticism has also come from Democratic figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, who have raised concerns about Pentagon spending. Newsom noted on social media, “Hegseth spent $93 billion of taxpayer money in just one month!”
