The Department of Defense (DOD) has decided, for the time being, to halt participation in research and think tank events, as per a directive issued this week.
The Pentagon will now carefully assess any events where national security officials are invited, aligning their decisions with the department’s core values.
“To ensure that the Department of Defense does not lend its name and credibility to organizations, forums, and events that contradict the values of this administration, the Department of Public Affairs will conduct a rigorous review of all events with defense officials,” the directive states.
This new order, effective from Tuesday, follows the Pentagon’s recent decision to withdraw senior DOD officials from its annual Aspen Security Forum, which is a four-day event in Colorado.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson mentioned on Thursday, via a post on social media platform X, that there are concerns about the promotion of “Globalism” and “hate.” He noted that “DOD officials will no longer participate in events connected to the last American organization.”
Additionally, the DOD has banned attendance at the Halifax International Security Forum, a yearly gathering of military and foreign officials scheduled for November, according to reports.
The directive encompasses civil servants, military officers, and senior leaders, who now must submit their speech topics prior to any public appearances, as stated in an internal email shared with DOD representatives.
In the past, high-ranking DOD officials, including former defense secretaries, actively engaged in the National Security Council, giving speeches, discussing U.S. defense policy, and connecting with counterparts.
