US Navy Raids Payroll to Fund Iran War

The United States Department of the Navy is facing a severe financial crisis resulting from the war against Iran initiated by Donald Trump on February 28. Internal documents and officials reveal the military has depleted munitions stockpiles and is raiding payroll accounts to fund combat operations and a naval blockade.

This cash crunch has forced the Navy to defer non-emergency maintenance on shore-based facilities. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has requested $67 billion in emergency funding from Congress, though the request faces dim prospects because the war lacks a formal authorization for the use of force and remains unpopular.

While the Department of the Navy claims it is managing resources to meet pay obligations on time, Admiral Daryl Caudle previously warned Congress that the 2026 budget did not account for the operations known as Epic Fury. This omission has led to critical shortfalls in force generation and routine operations.