Why did the DoD spend millions on Lobster? What the media won’t admit
By Easton Martin | March 11, 2026
The Department of Defense concluded the 2025 fiscal year with a standard budgetary surge in September, totaling approximately 93.4 billion dollars in various grants and contracts. This period is historically defined by a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy where federal agencies must finalize their remaining annual budget before the September 30 deadline.
Recently, mainstream media outlets have gone ballistic over a specific 9 million dollar expenditure for lobster tail and Alaskan king crab, often framing the total 93 billion dollar figure as if it were entirely composed of such luxury items. In reality, the seafood purchases represent less than one hundredth of one percent of the monthly defense budget.
The critics of Secretary Pete Hegseth have utilized social media to suggest these funds were spent recklessly. However, defense officials clarified that these food items were purchased for service members at dining facilities across all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The provision of steak and lobster, commonly known as “surf and turf,” is a long standing military tradition intended to boost morale. These meals are typically served to troops stationed globally, particularly before major deployments or during high stress operational windows.
The focus on these specific line items often ignores the logistical requirements of feeding a global force of over one million active duty personnel. While the 6.9 million dollars for lobster tails sounds like a significant amount for an individual, it equates to a small investment per service member when distributed across the entire force. Beyond the culinary budget, the September spending included essential infrastructure such as 6 billion dollars for information technology and telecommunications upgrades.
