Pete Hegseth Outlines Pentagon Reforms: DOGE Access, Budget Reallocations, and Workforce Changes

**BREAKING VIDEO – Pete Hegseth Outlines Pentagon Reforms: DOGE Access, Budget Reallocations, and Workforce Changes**

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a candid video on Thursday detailing his comprehensive plan to reform the Department of Defense. In the video, Hegseth lays out his strategy to enhance military efficiency, repurpose funds from a bloated budget, and streamline the workforce—all in line with President Trump’s vision for a stronger and more resilient U.S. military.

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### Expanded DOGE Access at the Pentagon

One of the key initiatives highlighted in the video is the new partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Hegseth explained that DOGE will have broad access to Pentagon operations under normal safeguards for classified information. The goal is to eliminate fraud, waste, and redundancies by focusing on military priorities rather than non-essential programs. According to Hegseth, programs tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), climate change, and other areas deemed outside the core mission will be re-evaluated.

"We welcome DOGE and their efforts to help us find efficiencies, and we’re focusing on areas that allow us to reinvest in core military priorities," he said, noting that the DOGE team was on location Thursday.

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### Refocusing the Budget

Hegseth also addressed what the media has called "budget cuts," clarifying that these changes represent a strategic reallocation of resources—not actual cuts. He stated that roughly 8% of the budget, equating to about $50 billion, will be redirected from non-lethal, non-essential programs toward initiatives that bolster military readiness and modernization. This reallocation supports efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations, strengthen border defenses, and upgrade key military infrastructures, including nuclear capabilities and cybersecurity.

"Let me be clear," Hegseth emphasized. "This is not a cut. It is a refocusing, a reallocation of existing resources to ensure our military remains prepared to protect American interests."

Importantly, several critical programs, particularly those related to the nation’s nuclear arsenal and core readiness activities, will remain protected from these changes.

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### Reevaluating the Workforce

The final element of Hegseth’s agenda involves a thorough review of the probationary workforce, a move mandated by a recent executive order from President Trump. This review, which is also being carried out across other federal agencies, aims to ensure that every employee is mission-critical and aligned with the goal of building a more effective military force.

"Common sense tells us where to start," Hegseth remarked, adding, "with the poor performers among probationary employees."

The plan includes a merit-based approach to remove underperformers and a hiring freeze to guarantee that new personnel directly support the military’s core mission of defense and readiness.

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### A Direct Commitment to the American People

Concluding his video, Hegseth reaffirmed the Department of Defense’s commitment to transparency and direct communication with the American public. Acknowledging that not every decision will be popular, he stressed that tough decisions are necessary to maintain America’s military edge.

"Doing so requires tough decisions, but we are prepared to make them. We’ll keep fighting to ensure that America’s military remains the most lethal fighting force on the planet, and we’ll continue to report back to you in real-time," Hegseth stated.

"We’re not here to just defend; we’re here to win. And under President Trump’s leadership, that’s exactly what we’re going to do."

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Hegseth’s video provides a clear window into the Pentagon’s current priorities as it seeks to eliminate inefficiencies and refocus resources on what matters most—maintaining U.S. military superiority. As the department embarks on these sweeping reforms, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these measures can deliver on the promise of a leaner, more agile, and ultimately, more formidable defense establishment.