Hegseth Presents National Defense Strategy at Reagan Library
Simi Valley, California — Dec. 6, 2025
During a keynote speech at the Ronald Reagan National Library, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth outlined the U.S. War Department’s new National Defense Strategy, highlighting four main priorities aimed at ensuring peace through strength for the United States and its allies.
Hegseth drew parallels between the military approaches of Presidents Reagan and Trump, praising the current administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong, American-made military. “President Trump is determined to build the most powerful, most lethal military the world has ever seen,” he said. He emphasized restoring core military principles, including readiness, accountability, discipline, and lethality.
Four Key Lines of Effort
Hegseth identified four central goals:
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Defending the U.S. Homeland: Increasing border security and achieving full operational control, while targeting narco-terrorists throughout the Western Hemisphere.
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Deterring China Through Strength: Maintaining stable, fair, and respectful relations, expanding military-to-military communication, and promoting balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Increasing Burden Sharing with Allies: Encouraging allies to contribute more to collective defense, including NATO countries aiming to spend 5% of GDP on defense.
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Strengthening the Defense Industrial Base: Modernizing acquisitions and expanding production capabilities with more competition and commercial investment.
Hegseth stressed that these efforts prioritize U.S. security and prosperity while supporting global stability. He underscored cooperation with regional allies to combat threats and praised the administration’s approach to avoiding endless foreign conflicts. “We are reviving the warrior ethos and rebuilding our great military to protect the American people,” Hegseth said.
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