Secretary of War and media personality Pete Hegseth announced Saturday that he is returning to public service, unveiling a new advisory role in national defense while voicing strong support for a sweeping overhaul of U.S. security policy during remarks at Reagan National Defense Forum.
Speaking before an audience of military leaders, policymakers, and defense industry executives, Hegseth confirmed that he has accepted a position as a special advisor to the Senate Armed Services Committee. In the role, he is expected to assist with congressional efforts tied to a newly introduced national security framework.
During his address, Hegseth formally endorsed a bipartisan policy blueprint titled “National Security Strategy for a New Century.” He described the document as a decisive shift in how the United States approaches global defense, emphasizing that its primary objective is strengthening the protection of Western nations and allied partners.
According to Hegseth, the strategy rests on three main pillars. The first is a significant redirection of military focus toward preparing for potential large-scale conflicts with rival global powers, including China and Russia. The second centers on achieving technological dominance across emerging military fields such as hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and directed-energy systems. The third calls for a broad expansion of domestic defense manufacturing to accelerate production of ships, aircraft, and missile systems.
Hegseth argued that U.S. defense planning over the past two decades has been weighted too heavily toward counterterrorism operations, which he said diverted attention away from long-term competition with peer adversaries. He warned that the changing global security environment now requires faster modernization, increased industrial capacity, and renewed strategic clarity.
The Reagan National Defense Forum, held annually in Simi Valley, serves as one of the most influential gatherings for shaping American defense policy. The event regularly draws high-ranking military leadership, members of Congress, and executives from the defense sector.
Hegseth’s announcement marks a notable transition from media commentary back into a direct policy advisory role, placing him inside the legislative process at a time when Congress is actively debating the future direction of U.S. military priorities and spending.
