Mandy Smithberger

Mandy Smithberger is the director of the Straus Military Reform Project at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

Drone Afghanistan

Let’s Stop Handing the Pentagon Blank Checks Let’s Stop Handing the Pentagon Blank Checks

The system is working—if you happen to be an arms contractor

Nov 16, 2021 / Mandy Smithberger and William D. Hartung

Joe Biden military

Biden’s First Pentagon Budget Isn’t Making Us Any Safer Biden’s First Pentagon Budget Isn’t Making Us Any Safer

The mind-boggling budget underscores just how misguided Washington’s current “security” policies really are.

Jul 1, 2021 / Mandy Smithberger and William D. Hartung

Pentagon

Joe Biden’s Pentagon Honeymoon Joe Biden’s Pentagon Honeymoon

The president’s first 100 days were a Pentagon prize.

May 14, 2021 / Mandy Smithberger

Pentagon

Why Are We Still Giving the Pentagon More Money? Why Are We Still Giving the Pentagon More Money?

Focusing on the wrong threats—including a new Cold War with China—is the last thing we can afford right now.

Mar 5, 2021 / Mandy Smithberger

It’s Time to Demilitarize Our Democracy

It’s Time to Demilitarize Our Democracy It’s Time to Demilitarize Our Democracy

The national security state has come to dominate our ostensibly “civilian” government.

Feb 1, 2021 / Mandy Smithberger and William D. Hartung

Will a Biden Administration Mean a Smaller Military Budget?

Will a Biden Administration Mean a Smaller Military Budget? Will a Biden Administration Mean a Smaller Military Budget?

Preventing future pandemics, and addressing long-standing inequalities, will require cutting our bloated Pentagon budget.

Nov 30, 2020 / William D. Hartung and Mandy Smithberger

Defense Contractors Don’t Need Another Covid Bailout

Defense Contractors Don’t Need Another Covid Bailout Defense Contractors Don’t Need Another Covid Bailout

Despite their claims, defense spending isn’t driving major job growth. It just makes shareholders wealthier.

Sep 16, 2020 / Mandy Smithberger

Armored vehicle in the desert

Washington Is Still Putting the Military Before Public Health Washington Is Still Putting the Military Before Public Health

Even in a pandemic, Congress is all too happy to let companies profit from war.

Jun 30, 2020 / Mandy Smithberger

A Boeing KC-46 Pegasus refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II

Why Are We Still Prioritizing Military Spending? Why Are We Still Prioritizing Military Spending?

As American families continue to struggle, war profiteers are requesting their own bailout.

May 5, 2020 / Mandy Smithberger

US Pentagon seen from above

The Pentagon Budget Is Out of Control The Pentagon Budget Is Out of Control

At $1.21 trillion, the actual national security budget is nearly twice the size that was announced by the White House.

Mar 3, 2020 / Mandy Smithberger

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