Hegseth Begins Pentagon Tenure, Prioritizes Sovereign Defense

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed a commitment to merit-based policies within the Department of Defense (DoD) while announcing the cessation of support for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement, in line with President Trump's executive order. Hegseth emphasized that compliance with this directive is mandatory, stating that noncompliance will lead to termination. His first day also included a focus on national security regarding the southern border, where he indicated that the DoD would actively assist in deploying additional troops to support border enforcement efforts. Hegseth's geopolitical views, particularly concerning threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, suggest a push for U.S. military modernization and preparedness in the face of these challenges. He advocates for a robust nuclear strategy and enhancing missile defense capabilities. The new defense secretary's policies are part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping the Pentagon's approach under the Trump administration.