Overview

• The Defense Department has paused all official participation in research and think tank events to vet invitations for alignment with administration values.
• Civil servants, military officers, and senior leaders must now submit their talking points and remarks to the Office of Public Affairs for preapproval.
• Officials are barred from attending events hosted by America Last organizations accused of promoting globalism and hostility toward President Trump.
• The Aspen Security Forum and the Halifax International Security Forum are among the gatherings specifically suspended under the new policy.
• Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive reflects his shift toward America First defense priorities and a move away from bipartisan engagement with global security forums.