President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defence and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security indicates a new direction in American defence and security arrangements. Hegseth has long criticised what he calls ‘woke’ policies and wants to return the military to its core values, readiness for combat and the de-emphasis of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Being one of the earliest supporters of Trump, Noem has been entrusted with implementing the policy based on the immigration, border security, and ‘mass deportations’ that are characteristic of Trump’s election campaign. Hegseth and Noem’s leadership could redefine the landscape of American defence and homeland security, sparking debates about the balance between national security, inclusivity, operational readiness, and implications for international alliances and the US active proxy play in ongoing conflicts.
Hegseth and Noem Leadership and Its Policy Implications
Hegseth, a veteran and media commentator is known for his opposition to policies, which he believes, divert the military’s focus from its core mission. His background suggests a pivot toward combat readiness and a traditionalist view of military culture, possibly rolling back social programmes that prioritise inclusivity over combat effectiveness. Hegseth’s policies may reinforce traditional hierarchies and prioritise physical and strategic training over DEI-focused initiatives, aiming for a unified and mission-cantred military culture. He is expected to tone down participation in the ongoing Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.
Kristi Noem’s appointment as Homeland Security Secretary reflects Trump’s commitment to stringent immigration control and border security. She is expected to work closely with Trump’s designated ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to enforce robust immigration policies, including Trump’s pledge for ‘mass deportations’. Noem has long supported Trump’s immigration policies, from advocating the 2017 travel ban to spending state funds to deploy National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border. Her role will include overseeing aggressive deportation strategies, prioritising the removal of criminals and perceived threats, and heightening border security. Her prior experience with similar policies in South Dakota and her longstanding relationship with Trump, indicates a high level of alignment with his national security priorities, particularly in addressing border issues and external threats.
Hegseth has consistently voiced concerns that DEI programmes compromise military cohesion and divert focus from the armed forces’ primary mission. Under his leadership, these programmes may face cuts or restructuring, to build a force that, in his view, is unified by a mission-oriented mindset rather than segmented by social initiatives
Defence Policy Under Hegseth’s Leadership
Hegseth has consistently voiced concerns that DEI programmes compromise military cohesion and divert focus from the armed forces’ primary mission. Under his leadership, these programmes may face cuts or restructuring, to build a force that, in his view, is unified by a mission-oriented mindset rather than segmented by social initiatives. Proponents believe that de-emphasising DEI initiatives will enhance operational focus and that this shift will create a more cohesive and ‘apolitical’ force. Critics warn it may alienate minority service members and reduce morale, affecting retention and recruitment from diverse backgrounds.
Hegseth’s anticipated focus on core combat skills suggests re-evaluating training protocols to emphasise physical endurance, tactical proficiency, and battlefield readiness. This approach is expected to shift priorities within the Department of Defence, potentially altering funding allocation, recruitment, and the structure of training programmes. Emphasis on rigorous, traditional training could streamline readiness, fostering a force prepared for direct combat roles while reducing emphasis on non-combat initiatives.
Hegseth is likely to advocate for investment in key defence technologies, including AI and cyber defence, which are essential for modern warfare. This dual focus on traditional training and technological advancements may shape a new strategic doctrine, balancing ‘back-to-basics’ readiness with the need for cutting-edge capabilities. Hegseth may seek to realign defence spending toward advanced weapon systems and intelligence infrastructure, possibly deprioritising programmes linked to social or environmental objectives.
Homeland Security Policy Under Noem’s Leadership
As Homeland Security Secretary, Noem’s primary responsibilities will centre on Trump’s border and immigration policies. Her role is expected to include overseeing a comprehensive deportation strategy that prioritises the removal of dangerous criminals, in line with Trump’s stated goal of making the country safer.
Noem will support a ‘tough on immigration’ stance, involving mass deportations and stricter immigration controls. She says initial deportation efforts would focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds, including those deemed threats to public safety. This approach is expected to increase resources to enforce immigration laws
Mass Deportations and Border Security: Noem’s track record suggests she will support a ‘tough on immigration’ stance, involving mass deportations and stricter immigration controls. In recent interviews, she indicated that initial deportation efforts would focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds, including those deemed threats to public safety. This approach reflects Trump’s campaign promises and is likely to increase federal and state resources dedicated to enforcing immigration laws.
Noem will work closely with Border Czar Tom Homan and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Her alignment with them may intensify border security efforts, leveraging cross-agency collaboration to implement aggressive immigration and border control measures.
Noem’s leadership may signal a shift within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritise external over domestic threats. This focus on securing the physical border could come at the expense of addressing internal extremism, which has been a rising concern in recent years. Her critics argue that neglecting domestic threats may lead to an imbalance in national security priorities. To that extent, Pakistan and Bangladesh could feel the heat.
Conflict De-Escalation and Strategic Stability
As Secretary of Defence, Hegseth could adopt a more assertive, yet strategically cautious approach to America’s role in conflict de-escalation in Ukraine and the Middle East. While Hegseth is expected to prioritise combat readiness and strengthen military alliances, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, he may also emphasise a focused military support role in Ukraine to help counter Russian aggression without overcommitting US forces and seeking conflict resolution efforts. In the Middle East, Hegseth may advocate for more targeted operations and partnerships with regional allies, reinforcing US commitments to stability and reducing escalation. His policies are likely to balance supporting allies and avoiding prolonged military conflicts, with an eye toward de-escalation and overindulgence of the military in conflicts outside its borders.
Impact on US-India Defence Cooperation, the Indo-Pacific Strategy and Instabilities in South Asia
Hegseth’s focus on enhancing combat readiness and strengthening alliances may bring renewed energy to US-India defence cooperation, particularly given the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and India’s centrality in the role.
Hegseth’s traditional approach to defence aligns with India’s interests in counterbalancing China’s hegemony in the Indo-Pacific. Hegseth is expected to support joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and defence technology transfers to bolster regional security. Enhanced collaboration with India, which is already deepening through agreements such as BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) and COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement), could see an accelerated pace under his leadership irrespective of the pendulum swing of other irritants that threaten the relationship.
Hegseth’s focus on enhancing combat readiness and strengthening alliances may bring renewed energy to US-India defence cooperation, particularly given the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and India’s centrality in the role. Hegseth’s approach to defence aligns with India’s interests in counterbalancing China’s hegemony
Hegseth’s leadership could translate into a more assertive US presence in the Indo-Pacific. Joint naval exercises, expanded military installations, and strategic collaborations in cyber warfare and artificial intelligence could increase, aimed at countering China’s military and economic expansion. This approach is expected to reassure India and other allies about the US commitment to maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
India has been one of the largest importers of US defence equipment, and under Hegseth’s leadership, US defence exports may further increase. His focus on strengthening US combat capabilities and partnerships could lead to the sale of advanced technologies, such as drone systems and missile defence equipment, helping India modernise its defence capabilities against regional threats.
At the strategic security level, under Hegseth and Noem’s leadership, US policy in South Asia could shift to align more closely with India’s strategic interests, particularly regarding Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Hegseth’s focus on counterterrorism may lead to a tougher stance on Pakistan, supporting India’s efforts to curb cross-border terrorism. Noem’s hardline immigration policies could reduce US aid for refugees from Afghanistan and Pakistan, potentially encouraging US-India collaboration on regional security, especially in Afghanistan post-Taliban. Additionally, stronger US-India cooperation on counterterrorism and border security initiatives could enhance India’s regional influence, especially in managing instability in neighbouring countries.
Conclusion
The announcement of Pete Hegseth in the Defence Department as Secretary of Defence and Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary marks a fundamental shift in the United States’ approach to defence strategy and homeland security. The long-term effects of these appointments will be closely watched, as they may reshape America’s defence and homeland security strategies, prompting a national debate over the balance between security, inclusivity, and the modern needs of a diverse society.
The author, a PVSM, AVSM, VSM has had an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. A distinguished Armoured Corps officer, he has served in various prestigious staff and command appointments including Commander Independent Armoured Brigade, ADG PP, GOC Armoured Division and GOC Strike 1. The officer retired as DG Mechanised Forces in December 2017 during which he was the architect to initiate process for reintroduction of Light Tank and Chairman on the study on C5ISR for Indian Army. Subsequently he was Consultant MoD/OFB from 2018 to 2020. He is also a reputed defence analyst, a motivational speaker and prolific writer on matters of military, defence technology and national security. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda
