Pentagon Shuts Down Think Tank Ties Over 'America Last' Globalist Concerns

In a bold and unprecedented move, the Pentagon has slammed the brakes on its participation in think tank events, signaling a sharp departure from decades of engagement with Washington’s civilian national security community. The Defense Department’s reasoning? A fierce commitment to aligning with the current administration’s values, rejecting any platform deemed to push an 'America Last' agenda.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson didn’t mince words on social media, declaring that no DOD official will lend their presence to organizations promoting what they call globalism and disdain for President Donald Trump. This isn’t just a temporary pause; it’s a full-on policy shift. Going forward, every invitation to a conference or forum will undergo rigorous vetting by the Office of Public Affairs to ensure it meshes with the administration’s priorities.

This decision follows the Pentagon’s abrupt withdrawal from the Aspen Security Forum, a high-profile gathering of defense industry leaders and researchers. Wilson criticized the event as a breeding ground for globalist ideals and hostility toward both the nation and its leader. Several top military officials had been slated to speak there, but their seats will now remain empty.

Historically, defense secretaries have been fixtures at such events—think Munich Security Conference or the Reagan Defense Forum. Yet, under current leadership, the approach is starkly different. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth himself skipped Munich but made an appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, showing a selective engagement strategy.

These forums often double as marketplaces for foreign governments and defense contractors to pitch their agendas or products to key U.S. officials. They’re also a stage for the Pentagon to project its own messages. Cutting ties, even temporarily, raises questions about how the U.S. will navigate these influential networks. For now, the Pentagon’s message is clear: loyalty to a specific vision of national interest trumps tradition.