On Monday (Jan 27, 2025) Pete Hegseth will start his first day as US Secretary of Defense with a full plate of urgent issues to address. After being confirmed by a tiebreaking vote on Friday, Hegseth wasted no time diving into the challenges facing the Pentagon, which includes shaping US military strategy, overseeing the defense budget, and dealing with international concerns like China, Ukraine, and India.

Border Security

One of the immediate issues Hegseth faces is security at the US-Mexico border. Under pressure from former President Trump’s policies, there is a debate over whether military forces should be used for law enforcement on US soil a move that would need to navigate legal restrictions. Troops have supported border operations in the past, but whether they will take on more direct law enforcement tasks remains a key decision for Hegseth in the coming days.

Another controversial issue involves transgender troops. Hegseth, known for criticizing policies under the Biden administration, is expected to address the status of transgender service members, with some predicting a rollback of protections for them.

China, Ukraine, and India

On the international front, Hegseth’s role in handling the rising tension with China is crucial. The US military has shifted focus from the Middle East to counter China’s growing influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon is working to strengthen its military posture in the region, a priority Hegseth will inherit and need to manage.

In addition to China, Hegseth must navigate the US military’s support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. The US has already committed over $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine, but with a freeze on new foreign aid, it’s unclear how much more Hegseth will approve. He will also need to assess whether to continue or scale back support, as the conflict enters a new phase.

India, a key partner in US efforts to counter China, will also be part of Hegseth’s agenda. The US and India have strengthened defense ties in recent years, and Hegseth’s role will be to ensure that this partnership continues to grow, especially as both countries face a more assertive China.

Budget

Hegseth also faces the task of managing the Pentagon’s  budget, which is around $850 billion. The focus will be on reducing waste while making sure the military remains strong and prepared for future challenges. At the same time, there’s a push from the Trump administration to prioritize lethality and ensuring that US forces remain the most powerful in the world.

Other Military Issues

Cultural issues within the military, including the controversial push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, are expected to be another major focus for Hegseth. He has been a vocal critic of what he sees as wokeness in the military, and many expect him to push for changes to reduce the influence of DEI programs. This could create friction within the Pentagon, as some military leaders worry about the impact on morale and unit cohesion.

Hegseth has also criticized the inclusion of women in combat roles, although he has backed off some of his more extreme positions. It’s unclear whether he will push for a review of combat standards, but this issue is likely to surface soon.

As the US faces growing global threats and internal divisions, Hegseth’s leadership will be closely watched by military personnel and political leaders alike.