As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth steps into his new role this Monday, he’s walking into a whirlwind of challenges. From global conflicts and border security to administrative duties, there’s a lot on his plate.
At the top of his agenda? Strengthening the U.S. military presence on the southern border, something President Trump has emphasized. He’ll also be reviewing the controversial idea of using active-duty military for law enforcement—a rare move in the past.
But that’s just the beginning. Hegseth will be juggling a mountain of issues, from managing the Pentagon’s huge budget to decisions about aid for Ukraine and supporting the ceasefire in Gaza. He’ll also have to handle Trump’s requests to cut government waste and rid the federal government of diversity programs.
When he addressed the military after being sworn in, Hegseth highlighted the challenges ahead. Some, like reorienting the military away from a focus on the Middle East, have been faced by previous leaders. But, ongoing conflicts, like the Hamas attack on Israel, have made those shifts difficult to implement.
Hegseth also mentioned strengthening the defense industry and getting the Pentagon through an audit, all while making sure the U.S. remains “the strongest and most lethal force in the world.”
His first few days are already busy, with support staff meeting military leaders, including Gen. CQ Brown Jr. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. But it’s only going to get more intense as he gets up to speed with the needs of 2.1 million service members and 780,000 civilian employees. Many of them are serving overseas in combat zones.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key challenges Hegseth will be facing from day one:
Border Security
Hegseth will have to decide how to support Trump’s push to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. He’ll have to look at which troops are available, what the Border Patrol needs, and how to manage resources efficiently without hurting other national security priorities. One of his first big decisions? Whether to involve active-duty military in law enforcement, which is typically avoided due to the Posse Comitatus Act.
Transgender Troops
Trump has hinted at revisiting the ban on transgender service members, a move that Hegseth has supported. This could spark legal challenges, as the Defense Department doesn’t even know how many transgender troops are currently serving.
Budget and Ukraine
The Pentagon’s budget is massive—around $850 billion. Hegseth will need to navigate how to make cuts while ensuring the U.S. military remains top-notch. A big issue looming is the military aid to Ukraine. With new funding frozen, it’s up to Hegseth and Trump to decide whether to spend remaining funds for Ukraine or redirect them elsewhere.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Rollbacks
Hegseth has been outspoken about eliminating DEI programs, claiming they divide the troops. He’s already begun to take steps toward implementing Trump’s orders to roll back these initiatives. There’s even talk of firing anyone who doesn’t comply. It’s clear that the focus will be on merit and performance instead of diversity efforts.
Reproductive Care
After the Supreme Court’s ruling against Roe v. Wade, Hegseth will face the tricky issue of military policies surrounding reproductive care. He may revise policies that allow service members to take leave and get reimbursed for travel expenses to obtain reproductive care. How far he goes with those changes will be something to watch closely.
In short, Hegseth has a lot to deal with right from the start. Whether he’s handling border security or making tough decisions on military policy, it’s clear that his leadership will have a lasting impact on the future of the U.S. military.