Hegseth emphasizes importance of US-first national defense strategy

At the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized U.S. foreign policy since the Cold War, emphasizing a renewed focus on military priorities within the Western Hemisphere. He also criticized previous administrations' decisions, advocating a shift toward practical national interests.

During a roughly 40-minute address, Hegseth discussed various topics, including urging allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense, strengthening U.S. borders, revitalizing the defense industrial base, and ongoing maritime operations in the Caribbean. Notably, his remarks reflected a less confrontational stance on China while largely omitting Russia from discussion.

Hegseth stated, The Department of Defense will avoid distractions like democracy promotion, interventionism, regime change, climate agendas, and nation-building. Our priority will be concrete, national interests. He added, Out with idealistic utopianism. In with hard-nosed realism.

His address aligns closely with the Trump administrations National Security Strategy, emphasizing increased U.S. military presence in the Western Hemisphere and tighter border security. The 33-page strategy explicitly references a modern adaptation of the Monroe Doctrine, calling for U.S. dominance in the regiona point Hegseth reinforced in his speech.

Our homeland and hemisphere come first, Hegseth told the audience in Simi, California. Other threats exist globally, but allies must step up to defend themselves. He acknowledged countries like Germany, Poland, and South Korea for pledging to increase defense spending, echoing the administrations push for NATO and allied nations hosting U.S. troops to shoulder more responsibility.

The secretary also mentioned enhanced U.S. military involvement in securing the U.S.-Mexico border, saying, We will organize, train, and equip units for border defense missions on land, sea, and air.

Regarding China, Hegseth offered a measured approach: The administration seeks stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China. He emphasized recognition of Chinas extensive military expansion while maintaining awareness of its rapid development.

A substantial portion of the speech contrasted the Trump administrations approach with recent Biden-era policies, criticizing the Afghanistan withdrawal, the Chinese spy balloon incident, and the temporary disappearance of then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during surgery. He also named retired Gen. Mark Milley for his critiques of Trump-era policies.

The forum address occurred amid scrutiny of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, where officials report more than 20 strikes against suspected drug-carrying vessels, resulting in over 80 deaths. Critics have questioned the legality of these operations, labeling them potential war crimes. Hegseth defended a September 2 strike that killed remaining survivors after an initial attack, affirming his full support for the operation.

Addressing controversy, Hegseth rejected claims that he ordered indiscriminate killings, saying, Its just patently ridiculous. He criticized media reporting on the incident, particularly targeting The Washington Post for inaccurate coverage.

Author: Maya Henderson