President Trump’s Pentagon is making a bold move to refocus America’s military on its core mission – winning wars, not battling climate change. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is leading the charge to eliminate what he calls “climate zealotry” from defense spending as part of a broader effort to streamline military operations.
At a glance:
- Trump administration plans to cut Pentagon climate programs as part of 8% budget reduction over five years
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth states military should focus on “deterring and winning wars, not climate change”
- Pentagon has already canceled multiple climate studies, including assessments of climate impact on African stability
- Department of Defense Climate Resilience Portal has been taken down
- Pentagon working with Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate what officials call “woke chimeras of the Left”
Trump Administration Refocuses Pentagon on Core Mission
The Trump administration is making significant changes to Pentagon priorities, cutting programs related to climate change as part of a broader initiative to reduce defense spending by 8% over the next five years. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been explicit about the shift in focus, declaring that addressing climate concerns is not part of the military’s core responsibilities.
Defense Department spokesman John Ullyot reinforced this position, stating that “climate zealotry and other woke chimeras of the Left are not part of that core mission” of deterring, fighting, and winning wars. The administration’s efforts include reviewing contracts to eliminate billions in climate-related spending across the department.
Eliminating “Climate Zealotry” from Military Operations
Secretary Hegseth has been particularly blunt about his views on climate programs at the Pentagon. “The @DeptofDefense does not do climate change crap. We do training and warfighting,” Hegseth posted on social media, capturing the administration’s stance on the issue.
The Pentagon has already canceled 91 climate-related studies, claiming $30 million in savings, though the total amount to be saved from eliminating all climate work remains unclear. Among the canceled studies were assessments of climate change’s impact on instability in Africa and various military planning documents.
“Look at a lot of the climate programs that have been pursued at the Defense Department. The Defense Department is not in the business of climate change, solving the global thermostat. We’re in the business of deterring and winning wars,” Hegseth stated.
It’s a commentary on modern political values that it has become even somewhat normal for Americans to believe the military ought to focus on social and environmental issues instead of defense. The Trump administration has been clear that it will return the military to what it is supposed to be, a fighting force.
The Department of Defense Climate Resilience Portal, which provided resources for military leaders to plan for climate-related contingencies, has been taken down. The Defense Department’s climate strategy plan has also been removed from its website as part of the administration’s effort to refocus priorities.
Streamlining Defense Spending with DOGE Partnership
The Defense Department is working closely with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to identify cost-saving measures across the Pentagon. “We’re working with the Department of Government Efficiency—DOGE—to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, cutting fat and redundancies at headquarters so we can save your dollars and reinvest them wisely,” Hegseth explained.
This initiative represents a marked departure from the previous administration’s approach, which had recognized climate change as a national security concern through a 2021 Executive Order that was later rescinded by President Trump. The current leadership is taking concrete steps to ensure Pentagon resources are directed toward traditional defense priorities rather than environmental concerns.
While climate-focused programs are being eliminated, the administration is emphasizing military readiness and combat capabilities. These changes align with President Trump’s long-standing criticism of what he views as misplaced priorities in defense spending and his commitment to strengthening America’s military posture against conventional threats.
