At the Reagan National Defense Forum, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth positioned former President Donald Trump as the “true and rightful heir” to Ronald Reagan‘s legacy. Hegseth emphasized their shared commitment to the “peace through strength” policy, arguing that both leaders advocated for a strong military as a deterrent to conflict.
During his keynote address, Hegseth stated, “Like President Reagan, President Trump is dedicated to both sides of the peace through strength coin — not just using that phrase as a thin veil for warmongering.” He highlighted the ongoing efforts to resolve international conflicts, particularly mentioning the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Hegseth asserted that Trump, even after leaving office, remains actively engaged in peace negotiations, which include talks aimed at establishing a security framework for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in 2020.
On the current state of affairs in Ukraine, Hegseth noted that Trump’s advisers recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his team for a third day of discussions in Florida. Hegseth remarked, “Trump is not finished yet,” suggesting that the former administration’s diplomatic efforts could still yield results.
In a pointed critique of the Biden administration, Hegseth claimed that the Ukraine conflict “never would have started” if Trump had remained in office. He underscored Trump’s willingness to engage with rivals, citing Reagan’s interactions with figures like Mikhail Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping, and likening them to Trump’s discussions with leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. He argued that critics of Trump’s diplomatic approach overlook the successes achieved during Reagan’s presidency.
Following his speech, Hegseth faced questions regarding his oversight of a controversial military operation in September that targeted a suspected drug vessel. In an interview with Fox News, Hegseth defended the decisions made during the operation, stating, “Of course not. Anybody that’s been in the Situation Room knows you don’t walk in and say, ‘Kill them all.’ It’s just patently ridiculous.”
While discussing the operation, which received significant media scrutiny, Hegseth revealed that the Department of Defense is currently reviewing video footage from the “double tap” operation for potential public release. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that unclassified information does not compromise military personnel’s safety.
As Hegseth continues to navigate the complexities of defense policy and international diplomacy, his remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum reflect an ongoing alignment with Trump’s legacy and a commitment to a robust national defense strategy. The forum serves as a platform for discussing these critical issues, underlining the significance of leadership and policy in shaping global security dynamics.
