Secretary Hegseth told Congress in Spring 2026 that the proposed defense budget is key to establishing peace and deterring adversaries amidst rising global tensions. He noted that the Pentagon is leading a comprehensive shift to return industrial manufacturing to a
wartime pace, restructuring military capabilities for future battlefield challenges. Hegseth believes that rebuilding the military establishment will bolster U.S. prestige, maintaining that hard power remains the most effective tool for managing complex 2026 crises.
