Hegseth welcomes DOGE Pentagon audit, but says Defense is ‘not USAID’
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a groundbreaking announcement Tuesday, stating that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is “welcome at the Pentagon.” During his first overseas trip as head of the Department of Defense (DoD), Hegseth also revealed plans to review U.S. military posture globally in order to align with the different “strategic assumptions” between President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.
Upon his arrival at the headquarters of U.S. European Command and Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany, Hegseth engaged in physical training exercises with the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), showcasing his commitment to connecting directly with troops and gaining insights into their missions firsthand. This hands-on approach demonstrated his dedication to restoring the “warrior ethos” within the Pentagon and fostering direct communication with military personnel.
Addressing questions from reporters, Hegseth emphasized Trump’s call for NATO members to allocate 5% of their GDPs to defense spending. When asked if the U.S. should follow suit, Hegseth echoed Trump’s stance that U.S. defense spending should not fall below 3% GDP, asserting that the current administration should invest more in defense than the previous administration led by Biden.
Accusing the Biden administration of historically underinvesting in military capabilities, Hegseth underscored Trump’s commitment to rebuilding the U.S. military through strategic investments. He expressed support for Elon Musk’s potential collaboration with the Pentagon to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, citing the opportunity to save billions of dollars within the defense budget.
While welcoming the partnership with DOGE to enhance efficiency and reduce waste, Hegseth clarified that Pentagon spending should prioritize enhancing military capabilities rather than advancing globalist agendas pursued by agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He emphasized the need to streamline operations, address redundancies, and eliminate non-essential programs to ensure resources are directed towards strengthening national defense.
Responding to inquiries about potential shifts in U.S. force deployments from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region to counter Chinese threats, Hegseth affirmed that there were no immediate plans to reduce forces in Europe. He highlighted the ongoing review of global force posture to align with Trump’s strategic priorities and ensure readiness to address emerging threats.
In a significant move, Hegseth announced the reversal of Biden’s decision to rename Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty in 2023, reinstating the base’s original name. He emphasized the historical significance of Fort Bragg and honored World War II hero Pfc. Roland L. Bragg by renaming the base after him to commemorate his valor and sacrifice during the Battle of the Bulge.
Hegseth’s bold leadership and commitment to enhancing military efficiency and readiness reflect a strategic shift towards prioritizing national defense and aligning with Trump’s vision for a robust and agile military. As the Pentagon embraces innovative partnerships and streamlines operations, the focus remains on strengthening U.S. military capabilities and safeguarding national security interests.
