At the Reagan National Defense Forum, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised former President Donald Trump as the “true and rightful heir” to President Ronald Reagan. Hegseth made several comparisons between the two leaders, particularly highlighting their shared commitment to the policy of “peace through strength.”
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 emphasized the importance of dialogue with international rivals, drawing parallels between Trump’s approach and Reagan’s negotiations with figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping.
Trump’s Ongoing Role in Global Peace Initiatives
Hegseth pointed to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas as a notable example of international strife that Trump’s administration could potentially address. He asserted that Trump is “not finished yet,” referring to the former president’s efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. Nearly four years following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hegseth noted that Trump’s advisors had engaged in peace talks with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a crucial player in these discussions, further highlighting the significance of this ongoing diplomatic effort. Hegseth criticized the current Biden administration, claiming that the war “never would have started in the first place if Trump had been president.”
Defending Controversial Military Operations
After his speech, Hegseth addressed scrutiny surrounding a controversial military operation involving a double strike on an alleged drug vessel. In an interview with Fox News, he refuted claims suggesting that he advocated extreme measures during military engagements. “Of course not. Anybody that’s been in the Situation Room… knows you don’t walk in and say, ‘Kill them all,’” he remarked, describing such portrayals as “patently ridiculous.”
Hegseth also mentioned that the Department of Defense is reviewing footage of the operation for potential public release. He emphasized the need for an unclassified version that ensures the safety of military personnel, acknowledging the complexities involved in releasing sensitive information.
As the discussion around military policy continues, Hegseth’s remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum reflect a broader effort to align the current administration’s goals with the legacy of Reagan, focusing on principles of strength and diplomacy. The implications of these policies will undoubtedly shape future international relations and defense strategies.
