Secret Pentagon document echoes Heritage Foundation analysis
Part of a secret Pentagon document concerning the U.S. defense strategy has been revealed to be a copy of an analysis by the Heritage Foundation. "The Washington Post" has uncovered the details.
What do you need to know?
- Pentagon document: A secret document distributed to employees by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth includes excerpts from an analysis by the Heritage Foundation, published in August 2024.
- U.S. strategy: The emphasis is on the Indo-Pacific region, with a strategy that involves urging allies in Europe and Asia to increase military spending.
- Document criticism: The National Security Commission in Congress criticized the document for its lack of clarity and contradictions.
What are the priorities of the U.S. defense strategy?
According to "The Washington Post," the secret Pentagon document redefines threats to U.S. security, identifying the Indo-Pacific region as a main priority. The strategy involves pressuring allies in Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East to boost their military spending. The goal is to deter adversaries like Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The document also emphasizes the need to strengthen bases in the Indo-Pacific region and invest in submarines and bunker buster bombs.
Why is the Pentagon document controversial?
Members of the National Security Commission in Congress, from both Republican and Democratic parties, criticized the document for its lack of clarity. One Commission member, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the document is full of contradictions, making it challenging to build a coherent strategy. They added that there is no consistency, so it will be difficult to build a strategy around this.
What are the Pentagon's further plans?
The Pentagon plans to increase its involvement in protecting U.S. borders and combating terrorism, a responsibility previously under the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, there are plans to improve U.S. air defense, aligning with Donald Trump's proposals to create a "Golden Dome" similar to Israel's "Iron Dome." The document was presented to the National Security Commission, which expressed its concerns about its content.
Is the U.S. defense strategy aligned with the vision of the Heritage Foundation?
An analysis by "The Washington Post" indicates that part of the disclosed Pentagon document is a copy of a material prepared by the Heritage Foundation. This vision is consistent with Donald Trump's foreign policy, known as Project 2025. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, plays a key role in shaping the foreign policy strategy of the Republicans. The Pentagon document, although classified as "secret/not foreign governments," contains elements that were previously published by this think tank.
