At the Reagan National Defense Forum, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth characterized Donald Trump as the “true and rightful heir” to former President Ronald Reagan. Hegseth made these remarks during his keynote address, where he drew parallels between the two leaders, particularly highlighting their shared approach to foreign policy termed “peace through strength.”
Trump’s Legacy and Current Conflicts
Hegseth emphasized that both presidents are committed to a balanced interpretation of this policy, stating, “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.” As he spoke, Hegseth specifically noted the ongoing conflicts, including the significant Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
He asserted that Trump’s administration remains active in global diplomacy, particularly in efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine. “Trump is not finished yet,” Hegseth stated, referencing ongoing discussions aimed at establishing a security framework for a post-war Ukraine. His comments come as Trump’s advisers were reported to have met with Ukrainian negotiators for a third consecutive day in Florida.
Hegseth also criticized the current administration, claiming that the Russia-Ukraine war “never would have started in the first place” if Trump had been president. This assertion reflects a broader narrative among some Republicans who have suggested that Trump’s approach to diplomatic relations with adversaries like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping would lead to more stable international relations.
Defending Controversial Operations
Following his speech, Hegseth addressed scrutiny over a controversial military operation conducted on September 2, which involved a double strike on an alleged drug vessel. In an interview with Fox News, he defended his actions, stating, “Of course not. Anybody that’s been in the Situation Room or been in the war room of the secretary’s office knows you don’t walk in and say, ‘Kill them all.’” He expressed frustration with media portrayals of the operation, emphasizing the complexities involved in such decisions.
Hegseth revealed that the Department of Defense is currently reviewing footage from the operation, considering the release of an unclassified version. He stressed the importance of ensuring that such a release does not compromise the safety of military personnel involved in ongoing operations.
As discussions around national defense and military strategy continue to evolve, Hegseth’s remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum underscore a significant intersection of legacy politics and contemporary military policy, most notably as it pertains to the actions of the Trump administration.
