DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the department’s focus on warfighting over climate change initiatives, following proposed cuts to related programs. Experts warn that these cuts could impact military readiness. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aims to eliminate inefficient spending, potentially recovering $80 million. Hegseth criticized climate agendas as non-essential to military operations.
During a recent statement, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that the DOD does not prioritize climate change initiatives, emphasizing a focus on training and warfighting. This remark came in response to a CNN post discussing cuts to climate-related programs within the Pentagon by the DOD and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite plans to eliminate these programs, experts highlight that such cuts may jeopardize military readiness and operational capabilities.
CNN’s Haley Britzky reported on the concerns about the DOD’s climate programs, which officials argue are essential for maintaining military preparedness. DOD spokesman John Ullyot echoed Hegseth’s sentiments by criticizing climate initiatives as outside the core mission of the military. Hegseth reiterated, “The @DeptofDefense does not do climate change crap. We do training and warfighting.”
DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, aims to identify and eliminate inefficient spending within the military. Recent findings included significant funds allocated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, such as nearly $1.9 million for DEI training in the Air Force and $6 million to support democratic initiatives at the University of Montana. Another flagged expenditure was $1.6 million for a study at the University of Florida concerning climate vulnerability in Africa.
Parnell stressed that these expenditures do not align with military objectives, stating that they detract from essential functions. He indicated that the review process could potentially recover around $80 million in unnecessary spending. Hegseth expressed confidence in DOGE’s capabilities, noting that its workforce includes many veterans committed to enhancing military efficiency by eliminating what he referred to as Biden administration priorities related to DEI and climate agendas.
Secretary Hegseth’s statements reveal the DOD’s commitment to prioritizing warfighting and training over climate change initiatives. The cuts proposed by the DOD and DOGE aim to streamline spending and enhance military readiness by removing programs deemed non-essential. Significant concerns have been raised about the potential risks these cuts pose to operational capabilities. Hegseth’s collaboration with DOGE reflects a broader effort to refocus military expenditures on core functions and eliminate distractions from the mission.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
