Secretary Pete Hegseth of the DOD stated the department does not engage in climate change initiatives, asserting a focus on warfighting and training. His comments followed concerns regarding proposed cuts to climate programs that experts warn could affect military readiness. Collaboration with DOGE aims to eliminate unnecessary spending, potentially saving $80 million.
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly asserted that his agency does not prioritize climate change initiatives, stating the department’s focus remains on warfighting and training. This declaration followed a report by CNN’s Haley Britzky that highlighted DOD’s plans to cut climate change programs, with experts expressing concerns that such reductions could jeopardize military readiness and operational effectiveness.
The DOD, alongside the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, is investigating financial inefficiencies within the Pentagon. Reports show that substantial funding has been allocated towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which include $1.9 million for DEI training in the Air Force and $6 million for initiatives at the University of Montana aimed at strengthening democracy.
Additionally, $1.6 million has been earmarked for a study on vulnerability to climate hazards in Africa. DOD spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that these expenditures do not align with the military’s core functions. He remarked, “This is not what we do. This stuff is a distraction from our core mission” and suggested that the review could result in approximately $80 million in savings by eliminating unnecessary spending.
Hegseth expressed support for DOGE’s efforts and noted that many members involved in the review are military veterans. He affirmed the commitment to identifying redundant initiatives and to asserting that priorities reflecting the Biden administration’s agenda, including DEI and climate-related programs, are not aligned with the DOD’s essential mission.
In summary, Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remarks reflect a firm stance against prioritizing climate change programs within the DOD, emphasizing a commitment to warfighting and training. The collaboration with DOGE aims to streamline costs by eliminating what officials deem unnecessary spending on initiatives unrelated to military readiness. The potential savings from these cuts are projected to be significant, highlighting ongoing debates about the direction of military funding and priorities.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
