WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not initiate a request for the more than $137,000 in repairs and enhancements to military housing at Fort McNair, which is set to be his official residence. A U.S. official, who shared insights about the work order but wished to remain anonymous, indicated that the Army is handling the repairs independently since the century-old home had been unoccupied for a year and required security improvements.
The expenses for the repairs, which include nearly $50,000 allocated for repainting, were disclosed in a notification sent to Congress by the Army on January 30. This revelation has prompted some Democratic lawmakers to demand increased transparency regarding the necessity of these costs. They are also seeking clarification on whether Hegseth will compensate the government through rent, as is customary for other senior officials in the defense sector.
According to the official, the Army’s decision to select the Fort McNair home for Hegseth was based on its availability, and he did not request the repairs, which are essential for ensuring safety for the defense secretary, who is sixth in the line for presidential succession. Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, opted to purchase a private residence instead of utilizing military housing.
The Army acknowledged in a statement that it undertakes regular maintenance and repairs on all residences before new tenants occupy them, emphasizing that this practice is irrespective of the occupant’s rank or position. They also mentioned that historic properties tend to incur higher costs due to their size and intricate architectural details.
This expenditure is notable in the context of the Trump administration’s push for budget cuts across various government sectors. President Trump has expressed intentions to enlist Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency to scrutinize the Pentagon’s budgetary allocations.
Moreover, ongoing problems with deteriorating military housing worldwide, including issues like mold, delayed repairs, and aging infrastructure, continue to diminish the living standards for service members. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democratic member from Florida who has raised concerns about the housing upgrades, remarked that Hegseth “should definitely be aware of the costs imposed on taxpayers for his chosen residence.” She criticized the disconnect between what Hegseth and the president advocate and what they experience personally, pointing out, “It’s hypocrisy if they expect average Americans to do without essential services.”
Wasserman Schultz further stated, “We anticipate thorough responses from the Secretary regarding all inquiries about housing and rental costs, and we also seek a firm pledge to assist service members living in inadequate conditions to receive the same level of immediate housing support that he is getting.”
Fort McNair ranks as the third-oldest Army installation in the United States, featuring a historic row of three-story, columned residences that overlook the Washington Channel. These homes were constructed in 1902 and have housed prominent military leaders, including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders. It is relatively rare for a cabinet member to reside there; however, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opted to live at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall during Trump’s first term, which also necessitated similar security enhancements to that property.
