GAO Tracks $2.64 Billion In Pentagon Border Spending Since FY25
Auditors found the Pentagon moved the money through five separate channels, including a drug interdiction transfer, without new appropriations.
- $608 million moved through DOD's Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities account, not border funds.
- $300 million built permanent barriers under military construction authority, GAO's March 2026 tally shows.
- $1 billion came from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21, passed separately.
Why it matters: A department can reroute a billion dollars through five separate authorities before Congress casts one new vote.
GAO Report GAO-26-108437: Southern Border Security: DOD Used Multiple Strategies to Fund Operations ↗ · Jul 13, 20267/13/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check