Expert Audits the True Cost of the Iran War and What the Pentagon Is Hiding From You

Public sentiment in the United States regarding the Iran war reveals a starkly negative outlook, with polling indicating it is the most unpopular conflict since polling began. Stephen Selmer, a noted analyst of public opinion and military spending, highlights that from the outset, the war began with a negative net support of 13%. As of the latest data, this figure has plummeted to a negative 35%, marking it as the least favored war in U.S. history. Selmer notes that even among those who support the war, a significant portion expresses a desire for it to end quickly, indicating a widespread discontent with the ongoing military engagement.

The discussion also delves into the substantial military budget, which has reached $1.1 trillion for fiscal year 2026, a figure that Selmer argues is disproportionately high compared to the outcomes achieved. He emphasizes that a significant portion of this budget benefits for-profit contractors rather than directly contributing to national security. The conversation critiques the lack of accountability in military spending, with Congress often failing to impose checks on the executive branch's war powers, allowing military actions to proceed with minimal public or legislative oversight.

Selmer further explores the implications of military spending on domestic issues, suggesting that the prioritization of foreign military engagements detracts from addressing pressing economic concerns at home. He argues that the public's growing awareness of these issues could lead to significant political repercussions in upcoming elections, as voters increasingly connect the dots between military expenditures and their declining quality of life. The conversation underscores a critical moment in U.S. politics, where the intersection of foreign policy and domestic economic challenges is becoming increasingly apparent to the electorate.

We’re spending more a year on the military in adjusted dollars than we did during World War II. What are we getting for it? And how much is going to Israel? Stephen Semler has the numbers.

(00:00) How Is the Iran War Viewed by the Public? (07:34) The Growing "War" Budget (29:50) What Are the Costs of This War? (39:20) Why Hasn't the Pentagon Ever Passed an Audit? (59:10) How Do We Get the Pentagon Under Control?

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