Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth began his first full day at the Pentagon on Monday, pledging to support President Trump’s initiatives of securing the U.S. border with Mexico, utilizing military aircraft for deportations of migrants with uncertain legal status, and enhancing military combat readiness.
The Pentagon dispatched 1,500 active-duty Marines and Army soldiers to the southwestern border last week, in addition to the 2,500 troops already stationed there. Hegseth stated that more troops would be deployed soon to aid in constructing barriers and supporting law enforcement efforts.
Hegseth assured reporters that whatever resources are needed at the border will be provided, marking a departure from past practices. He emphasized the Defense Department’s commitment to defending the territorial integrity of the U.S. at the southern border in compliance with the Constitution and laws of the land.
The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of armed forces for law enforcement activities on U.S. soil without express authorization from Congress or the Constitution.
One exception to this act is the Insurrection Act, which grants the president the authority to deploy the military domestically in the face of rebellion or disruptions to law enforcement operations.
Hegseth did not rule out the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act when asked and stated that decisions regarding such actions would be made by the White House.
He also confirmed the continued use of military aircraft for deporting undocumented migrants from the U.S., highlighting recent flights to Guatemala and Colombia in response to President Trump’s directives.
General C.Q. Brown Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed Hegseth at the Pentagon on Monday morning. Despite previous calls for Brown’s dismissal, Hegseth affirmed his support for the Joint Chiefs and their commitment to lethality, readiness, and combat preparedness.
Hegseth hinted at forthcoming executive orders from Trump, mentioning plans to reinstate troops discharged for vaccine refusal during the pandemic. He also addressed anti-diversity efforts within the Pentagon, reiterating the administration’s stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Following initial conflicts over diversity programs, Hegseth clarified his position and expressed support for educational materials on historical military figures like the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Air Force Service Pilots.
The Air Force reversed its removal of these videos and pledged to continue instructing on these important historical figures.
Hegseth referenced former names of Army bases honoring Confederate officers, emphasizing the Pentagon’s focus on lethality and readiness.
He mentioned the renaming of Fort Benning to Fort Moore and Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty as part of efforts to remove Confederate ties from military installations.
Hegseth engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirming U.S. support for Israel’s defense capabilities.
The White House allowed a shipment of bombs to Israel that had been halted by President Biden previously, highlighting Hegseth’s alignment with Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary was narrowly approved, and he has stressed a focus on military readiness and combat effectiveness in his new role.