Pete Hegseth Takes Over as Defense Secretary, Faces Broad Military Challenges

Hegseth’s priorities include border security, military budget reforms, and addressing cultural and policy shifts within the Pentagon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth begins his tenure with a focus on bolstering military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border, including reviewing the potential use of active-duty troops for law enforcement under the Insurrection Act.
Hegseth is tasked with shaping the Pentagon's $850 billion budget, balancing President Trump's goals of increased military lethality and waste reduction, while deciding on the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Cultural and policy shifts are expected as Hegseth implements directives to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and reviews military standards for women in combat roles.
Hegseth will oversee the rollback of protections for transgender troops, a move likely to face legal challenges similar to those seen during Trump’s first term.
Other priorities include addressing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, deterring China, supporting a Gaza ceasefire, and improving the Pentagon's defense industrial base and audit compliance.