The U.S. Air Force has faced scrutiny over its spending, with reports revealing excessive costs, including $1,200 reusable coffee cups. A Pentagon audit last year once again failed, highlighting ongoing financial mismanagement. The Inspector General acknowledged progress but emphasized significant challenges ahead.

In 2018, a congressional inquiry found the Air Force was replacing reheatable coffee cups on KC-10 aircraft instead of repairing them. Senator Chuck Grassley criticized the high costs, questioning if cheaper alternatives had been considered. The Air Force has since discontinued purchasing them.

Additionally, an audit in 2024 revealed Boeing overcharged the Air Force by nearly 8,000% on spare parts, including $150,000 soap dispensers, with the service branch overpaying around $1 million for certain C-17 aircraft components. Boeing disputed the findings, arguing the comparison was inaccurate.

Former President Trump has vowed to address financial inefficiencies, calling the Department of Defense a “hotbed of waste.” Reports also suggest Elon Musk’s DOGE team is involved in identifying cost-cutting opportunities within defense spending, potentially impacting treasury-related payments.