Hegseth Rejects China's Golden Dome Criticism, Boosts Paratrooper Pay at Fort Bragg

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth firmly rejected China's accusations that the U.S.'s Golden Dome missile defense project threatens to militarize space, emphasizing its sole purpose is safeguarding American soil. Speaking to reporters after a visit to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Hegseth stated, "Our focus is clear: protecting the homeland, period."

President Donald Trump has championed the Golden Dome as a cornerstone of his America First agenda, touting it as a transformative investment in national security. The ambitious $125 billion project aims to establish a space-based missile defense shield within three years, a timeline that has sparked both excitement and skepticism.

China’s Foreign Minister Mao Ning criticized the initiative, claiming it violates the Outer Space Treaty’s commitment to peaceful use and risks sparking a space arms race. "This project could destabilize global security," Mao warned, urging the U.S. to abandon its plans. Hegseth dismissed these concerns, framing the Golden Dome as a defensive necessity in an increasingly volatile world.

Closer to home, Hegseth stirred debate by launching a monthly Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, a move critics argue blurs the line between church and state. Unfazed, Hegseth invoked historical precedent, noting, "George Washington prayed with his troops. Appealing to heaven is part of our military’s DNA." He boldly added, "If you’re criticizing my faith, you’re on the wrong side of history."

During a speech to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg—recently renamed back from Fort Liberty—Hegseth celebrated the base’s historical identity, quipping, "Liberty’s great, but Fort Bragg’s forever." The crowd roared in approval. He also announced a boost in jump pay for paratroopers, raising it from $150 to $200 monthly, with jump masters seeing an increase to $300. "Our paratroopers do the unimaginable," Hegseth said, acknowledging the reduction of 20,000 jump positions to prioritize quality over quantity.

Addressing critics who question his qualifications as a former Army major, Hegseth leaned into his everyman appeal. "They say I can’t think big picture because I think like the troops. I say, hell yeah, I think like the troops—because I’ve been in their boots." His candid, soldier-first approach continues to resonate, even as detractors question his strategic credentials.