Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth officially began his tenure on Monday, addressing reporters at the Pentagon. He outlined his vision for the Department of Defense (DOD) under his leadership, emphasizing priorities aligned with recent executive orders from President Donald Trump.
Voicing support for measures like the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, Hegseth affirmed the DOD’s focus on its core mission. “Every moment that I’m here, I’m thinking about the guys and gals in Guam, in Germany, in Fort Benning, and Fort Bragg, on missile defense sites, and aircraft carriers. Our job is lethality and readiness and warfighting. We’re going to hold people accountable. I know the chairman [of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] agrees with that,” he said, referring to Gen. Charles Brown Jr., who stood by his side.
Hegseth outlined three primary objectives: “We will do this in three ways—by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and re-establishing deterrence.”
Addressing ongoing efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border, Hegseth reiterated the department’s commitment: “Whatever is needed at the border will be provided. … This is a shift. This is not the way business has been done in the past. The Defense Department will support the defense of the territorial integrity of the United States of America at the southern border.”
Active-duty troops, including soldiers and Marines, have been deployed to the border following President Trump’s recent state of emergency declaration. More personnel and resources are expected to bolster these efforts in the coming weeks.
Hegseth closed his remarks by pledging swift and unwavering implementation of the president’s directives: “The lawful orders of the president of the United States will be executed inside this Defense Department swiftly and without excuse. We will be no better friend to our allies and no stronger adversary to those who want to test us and try us. … I look forward to serving the troops, the warriors of this department. It’s the honor of a lifetime, and we’re going to get to work. God bless you all.”
