Hegseth vows Pentagon cuts, then announces new initiatives

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, announced plans to cut 20% of the military's top officers, a move intended to reduce bureaucracy. However, his speech also outlined several new initiatives that are likely to increase the Pentagon's budget and add to its structure.

Hegseth's proposals included the creation of a new four-star command focused on drone warfare, named AutoWarCom, which the Pentagon intends to establish by October 1, 2027, pending congressional approval. He also launched Project Meridian, a 120-day commission to study the future of warfare, to be led by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. These individuals' companies have significant business dealings with the Pentagon.

Further initiatives announced by Hegseth included an effort to monitor testosterone levels and cut officers deemed too "woke," as well as the establishment of an Office of Religious Affairs, with top chaplains reporting directly to him. He also mentioned plans for a new military base that states could compete to host.

The initiatives drew skepticism from some defense officials who viewed them as outdated and reminiscent of Obama-era strategies. One official, speaking anonymously, suggested the ideas had been predicted years ago. Another former Pentagon spokesperson criticized the moves as "tomfoolery" and a distraction from the president and troops' needs.