Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared a dramatic end to what he calls America's era of “utopian idealism,” announcing a sweeping new military strategy centered on hard-nosed realism, Western Hemisphere dominance, and reduced U.S. responsibility abroad. Speaking at the Reagan Defense Forum, Hegseth criticized decades of foreign policy, pushed allies to shoulder more of their own defense, and signaled a more conciliatory posture toward China. br The shift comes as the U.S. steps up military actions in the Caribbean — sinking boats and killing dozens in operations the administration claims target “narco-terrorists,” despite rising legal concerns. Hegseth also revealed plans for expanded military involvement along the southern U.S. border and reaffirmed major investments in drones, ships, and new defense systems. His message marks one of the starkest redefinitions of American defense priorities in decades. br #HegsethStrategy #USDefenseShift #ReaganDefenseForum #WesternHemisphereFocus #HardNosedRealism #TrumpDefensePolicy #USMilitaryStrategy #HegsethSpeech #NationalSecurityShift #ChinaRelations #USBorderSecurity #DefenseBudget2025 #GoldenDomeProject #USAllies #MilitaryRefocus #CaribbeanOperations #USForeignPolicyChange #BreakingNewsbr br ~HT.