Keynote Speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed attendees at the Reagan National Defense Forum, highlighting the administration’s goal of “peace through strength.” His speech, delivered to military leaders and officials, positioned President Donald Trump as a rightful successor to Ronald Reagan.
During his address, Hegseth remarked, “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 criticized post-Reagan Republicans, suggesting they strayed from Reagan’s principles, favoring expansive military actions over careful, disciplined approaches.
“Out with Utopian idealism, in with hard-nosed realism,” he emphasized.
According to Hegseth, Trump’s military strategy learns from ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, aiming at clear objectives while strengthening military capabilities for peace negotiations. He argued that the past four years under the Biden administration have been marked by “wokeness, weakness, war,” particularly noting recent conflicts in Ukraine and Israel.
Hegseth stressed that the Trump administration seeks to bolster internal peace by emphasizing border security as a national priority. He noted the collaboration between the Department of War and Homeland Security to secure borders and address illegal immigration effectively.
“Border security is national security and we are prioritizing it accordingly,” he asserted.
Hegseth also highlighted the administration’s commitment to combating “narcoterrorism,” equating its threats to those of al-Qaeda, asserting that the U.S. military is actively engaged in targeting these groups.
“In our hemisphere there is no safe haven for narcoterrorists,” he stated.
To date, military operations have executed 22 strikes against drug-trafficking vessels since the campaign began in September. Moreover, he introduced plans for a missile defense system called the “Golden Dome,” aimed at reinstituting a project from Reagan’s era using modern technology.
Stressing the significance of America’s nuclear deterrent, he promised continual upgrades and testing of the Nuclear Triad, vowing never to let the nation fall prey to nuclear extortion. He also emphasized the need for allies, particularly in Europe and the Pacific, to shoulder more defense responsibilities.
“The Department of War at the president’s direction is laser-focused on advancing America first, peace through strength, common sense efforts,” Hegseth concluded.
Wrapping up his speech, he referenced historical figures, asking for wisdom and courage to take the right actions moving forward.
