Pete Hegseth: “I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence…”

It is a day and night difference. Training, lethality, accountability, discipline, readiness — the bedrock of what it means to be an American warrior — is the only focus of our department. Colorblind, gender-neutral, merit-based. That’s it.

Without extra money from Congress, the department would face critical shortfalls that threaten our ability to pay our service members, rapidly replenish equipment and munitions, and sustain vital operations without disruption.

Training, lethality, accountability, discipline, readiness — the bedrock of what it means to be an American warrior — is the only focus of our department.

Standalone Article II authorities exist for us to conduct this operation on behalf of the defense of the American people.