The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has decided to suspend its participation in all think tank events, marking a significant shift in its approach to public engagement. This move comes in the wake of the Pentagon’s decision to withdraw its officials from the Aspen Security Forum, an event that the department claimed supported globalism and expressed disdain for the United States and President Donald Trump. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated that the department will now conduct thorough vetting for any conference invitations to ensure events advance the administration’s agenda.
Under the new policy, no DOD official will attend events organized by so-called ‘America Last’ entities that promote globalism and opposition to the president. The DOD’s Office of Public Affairs will be responsible for reviewing each invitation, ensuring alignment with Trump’s policies. This decision reflects a broader ideological shift within the Trump administration, emphasizing a more assertive ‘America First’ strategy. The move is also seen as a response to pressure from certain factions within the Trump administration, which has been vocal in criticizing globalist policies.
Such security events are often funded by foreign governments and defense contractors, providing a platform for these entities to influence U.S. policy. The Pentagon’s withdrawal from the Aspen Security Forum follows a similar move in pulling out of the Munich Security Conference, albeit in a different context. Historically, defense secretaries have participated in major security conferences and think tank events like the Reagan Defense Forum, but the current administration seems to prioritize a more selective engagement approach. The Aspen Security Forum’s spokesperson expressed disappointment at the Pentagon’s withdrawal but noted that the forum remains open to inviting other officials.
Despite these changes, the administration’s broader strategy towards international engagement and defense policy continues to evolve. The Pentagon’s actions highlight the growing influence of ideological considerations in shaping the department’s outreach efforts. This shift is likely to have long-term implications for how the U.S. interacts with global security institutions and think tanks, potentially altering the landscape of defense-related public discourse and policy-making.