Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled senior Defense Department participation at the Aspen Security Forum, slamming the event as promoting globalism, anti-American views and hatred for the president. Pentagon officials cited concerns about the forum’s alignment with U.S. national security goals, leading to the withdrawal of military commanders who were set to speak at the conference.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson stated that the DoD believes the conference promotes the ‘evil of globalism, disdain for our great country, and hatred for the President of the United States.’ Wilson added that the department has no interest in legitimizing an organization that has invited former officials linked to past failures abroad and domestically.
The Aspen Security Forum, which begins on Tuesday, has traditionally included military commanders from both Republican and Democratic administrations. However, this year’s participants will exclude Pentagon officials, as the decision marks a significant departure from previous traditions.
The conference will still host other Trump administration officials, including Adam Boehler and Tom Barrack, along with some contentious Biden administration figures like Jake Sullivan and Brett McGurk. Former officials from both Trump and Obama administrations, such as Mark Esper and David Petraeus, will also be speaking, alongside Condoleezza Rice.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the DoD’s values do not align with the forum’s, stating that the department remains focused on increasing warfighter lethality and projecting Peace Through Strength. The Aspen Institute responded to the withdrawal, expressing disappointment but reaffirming their continued invitation to officials.