Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed the audience at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday, positioning former President Donald Trump as the “true and rightful heir” to Ronald Reagan. Hegseth highlighted their shared commitment to the “peace through strength” philosophy, stating that both leaders prioritize diplomacy while maintaining a strong military presence.
During his keynote speech, Hegseth emphasized that Trump is not merely echoing the phrase as a facade for aggression. He pointed out the ongoing challenges in international conflicts, particularly the war between Israel and Hamas, and asserted that Trump’s diplomatic efforts are still relevant today. Hegseth remarked, “President Trump is dedicated to both sides of the peace through strength coin,” indicating an approach that seeks resolution without compromising national security.
As part of his remarks, Hegseth referenced the ongoing negotiations surrounding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He claimed that Trump’s administration is still actively working towards a peace agreement nearly four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We were working on a security framework for a post-war Ukraine this week,” he stated, noting that Trump’s advisers recently engaged in discussions with Ukraine’s lead negotiators in Florida.
While he praised Trump’s foreign policy approach, Hegseth also criticized the current administration, suggesting that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine “never would have started” had Trump remained in office. He drew parallels between Trump and Reagan, saying both leaders were willing to engage in dialogue with adversaries, including historical figures like Mikhail Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping, as well as contemporary leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Hegseth remarked, “Folks in Washington like to criticize President Trump for doing so, but those critics forget that this is exactly what Ronald Reagan did. And America was better off for it.”
In addition to his comments on foreign policy, Hegseth defended his oversight of a controversial military operation. He addressed scrutiny surrounding a double strike on an alleged drug vessel, which had been criticized by various media outlets. In an interview with Fox News, he asserted, “Of course not. Anybody that’s been in the Situation Room knows you don’t walk in and say, ‘Kill them all.’ It’s just patently ridiculous.”
Hegseth revealed that the Department of Defense is currently reviewing footage of the double strike operation conducted on September 2. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any unclassified version of the video does not jeopardize the safety of military personnel involved in the operation.
The Reagan National Defense Forum offers a platform for discussing critical defense and foreign policy issues. Hegseth’s remarks reflect ongoing debates within U.S. political circles regarding military strategy and diplomacy, particularly as they relate to the previous and current administrations. His speech underscored the contrasting approaches to international relations, illustrating the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in a rapidly changing global landscape.
As the political landscape evolves, the legacy of both Reagan and Trump continues to shape discussions about America’s role in global affairs. Hegseth’s comments serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of presidential leadership on national security and international diplomacy.
