DOD Secretary Hegseth Rejects Climate Change Focus, Prioritizes Military Readiness

DOD Secretary Hegseth Rejects Climate Change Focus, Prioritizes Military Readiness

The U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed a clear stance on climate-related initiatives, stating that his department does not engage in what he calls “climate change crap.” His remarks underscore a commitment to primary military objectives like warfighting and training.

Hegseth’s comments emerged in response to a report shared by CNN’s Haley Britzky. The report indicated that the Department of Defense and the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency intended to cut programs related to climate change at the Pentagon.

Statements From Department Officials

Britzky detailed in her post that the decision to reduce climate-related programs at DOD and DOGE has raised concerns among officials and experts. They warn that cutting such initiatives might directly impact military readiness. The argument rests on the belief that climate efforts are linked to the capability of troops and overall military operations.

Additionally, Britzky noted that CNN sought clarification from Pentagon officials regarding military readiness, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives.

In a response to the report, Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot commented that the focus on climate policies reflects a certain degree of “climate zealotry” seen in what he describes as the “woke chimeras of the Left.”

Hegseth affirmed Ullyot’s viewpoint, stating, “The @DeptofDefense does not do climate change crap. We do training and warfighting.” This sentiment resonates with many in the military community, who fear that diverting attention to climate issues detracts from critical defense functions.

Collaboration with DOGE

The Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk, collaborates with the DOD to minimize wasteful expenditures. DOD spokesman Sean Parnell discussed initial findings from DOGE aimed at enhancing organizational efficiency.

Identifying Wasteful Spending

Parnell outlined examples of financial allocations identified by DOGE as unnecessary, which included significant funding for various diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This included $1.9 million earmarked for holistic DEI transformation and training in the Air Force, alongside $6 million directed to the University of Montana, intended to “strengthen American democracy by bridging divides.”

Among the further reviewed expenditures was $1.6 million designated for the University of Florida to investigate the vulnerabilities associated with climate hazards in Africa.

The True Focus of DOD

According to Parnell, many of these factors do not align with the military’s core mission. He stated, “This stuff is just not a core function of our military. This is not what we do. This stuff is a distraction from our core mission.” He emphasized the importance of concentrating resources on key areas that directly impact military outcomes.

Parnell projected that the initial findings could lead to savings of up to $80 million, reflecting a significant step towards fiscal responsibility within the DOD.

Future Steps and Veteran Involvement

Hegseth mentioned that he and his department would cooperate closely with DOGE. This collaboration extends to reviewing several government departments, including Treasury, Labor, Education, and Health departments, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Personnel Management, and the Internal Revenue Service.

The Secretary noted that many individuals working with DOGE are veterans, which enhances their commitment to identifying and addressing inefficiencies. He remarked, “They care just like we do, to find the redundancies and identify the last vestiges of Biden priorities – the DEI, the woke, the climate change B.S. That’s not core to our mission, and we’re going to get rid of it all.”

A Look Ahead

The DOD’s approach to phasing out climate-focused programs signals a broader trend within parts of the military leadership. As the conversation about military spending and priorities continues to evolve, the emphasis remains firmly placed on readiness and core operational objectives.

Meanwhile, the ongoing dialogue regarding environmental efforts versus military preparedness will likely persist as an area of contention among policymakers, military leaders, and the public. The DOD’s recent decisions indicate a pivot away from climate initiatives in favor of reinforcing military effectiveness, a move that certain factions will celebrate, while others express concern over the potential implications for long-term global security.

The outcome of this ongoing effort by the DOD and DOGE could significantly shape the landscape of military funding and priorities moving forward, emphasizing the need for strategic planning that aligns with national defense objectives. As developments unfold, the focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with military readiness will remain a critical conversation among leaders within the government.

Reporting by Louis Casiano contributed to this article.