Pentagon Cancels Climate Studies as Hegseth Declares Focus on 'Warfighting'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defends the decision to cut 91 climate and social science studies, citing a shift away from 'woke' programs to prioritize military readiness.

The Department of Defense has canceled 91 studies related to climate change, global migration, and social trends, saving an estimated $30 million in the first year.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described climate programs as 'crap' and reaffirmed the military's focus on training and warfighting as its core mission.
Critics, including military experts and former officials, warn that cutting climate programs could harm troop readiness and national security by ignoring risks like extreme weather and global instability.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) collaborated with the Pentagon to identify and eliminate spending on initiatives deemed non-essential, including climate-related research and DEI programs.
Concerns have been raised that sidelining climate initiatives could weaken U.S. influence abroad, particularly in regions like the Pacific and Africa, where climate issues are tied to security and geopolitical competition with China.