September is the most expensive month of the year for the Pentagon.
In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense spent about $93 billion in a single month as the fiscal year closed. A watchdog analysis later showed where some of that money went.
Millions were spent on food purchases including $6.9 million for lobster tails, $2 million for king crab, and more than $15 million for ribeye steaks. Other spending included $124,000 on ice-cream machines, more than $139,000 on donuts, and $225 million on furniture.
The rush is tied to Washington’s “use-it-or-lose-it” budgeting system. If agencies fail to spend their allocated money before the fiscal year ends, their funding may be reduced the following year.
Critics say the rule encourages waste. Supporters argue it keeps departments fully funded for future operations
