Last weekend, Simi Valley, California, became the most prominent place in the United States for military policy discussions. Key figures in the field of military policy and leadership gathered there to explore how the United States can lead the world in the face of increasingly complex challenges and opportunities.
On Saturday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Daniel Caine, Admiral Daryl Caudle, Army Chief of Staff Randy A. George, and several federal senators participated in the National Defense Forum held at the Reagan Library.
During the forum, Hegseth delivered a speech praising President Trump as the heir to President Reagan, who inherited and revitalized Reagan’s strong and pragmatic national defense policies. He emphasized Reagan’s rebuilding of the military after the Vietnam War as one of his greatest achievements, and highlighted Trump’s unprecedented investment in national defense as a reenactment of that grand endeavor.
Hegseth believed that the generation self-proclaimed as the “New Reaganists” following the end of the Cold War failed to truly follow Reagan’s governing principles. They lacked clear strategies beyond rhetoric, especially in the military domain.
In the economic realm, they dismantled America’s industrial base, shifting production overseas. In foreign affairs and national defense, they abandoned Reagan’s flexible and pragmatic policies, attempting to make the U.S. the world’s cop, protector, and arbitrator; turning allies into dependents and allowing countries like in Europe to freeload, subsidizing their defense spending with American taxpayers’ money.
Hegseth pointed out that Trump prioritized America and its people, understanding how to restore peace through enduring strength. This pragmatic and logical approach led to eight major peace agreements within Trump’s first year back in the White House, including a historic breakthrough in ending the Gaza conflict.
He stated that Trump’s policies “not only make America stronger but also benefit our allies,” and events like the 2023 Gaza conflict and the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war were related to the previous administration’s “awakeningism” agenda and weak diplomatic stance.
Regarding China policy, Hegseth advocated for containing China through strength and deterrence rather than confrontation.
He emphasized that America’s goal is peace, but to achieve it, the U.S. must be prepared to fight and achieve decisive victories at any time. This involves increasing the responsibility-sharing of allies and partners, as well as significantly strengthening America’s industrial base to support all other efforts.
On the 4th prior to the forum, the Reagan Institute in Washington, D.C., released its 2025 Reagan National Defense Survey, showing that 87% of respondents considered it extremely important for the U.S. to have the strongest military globally.
The American public still believes that the U.S. should adhere to President Reagan’s principle of “peace through strength,” allowing America to continue playing an active leadership role on the world stage with a powerful military to deter authoritarian adversaries. The U.S. should establish solid alliances to defend freedom and continue strategic investments in advanced defense capabilities. These views are recognized by both parties.
Roger Zakheim, director of the Reagan Institute, stated that this year’s survey results clearly convey that people believe America’s leadership position is crucial for global security and peace. “The public understands that in an era of increased authoritarianism, America’s strength — including military, technological, and industrial power — is the foundation of security.”
The survey showed that 64% of Americans believe the U.S. should engage more in international affairs and take on a leadership role. This was a record high, with 79% of Republicans and 57% of Democrats in agreement.
Regarding maintaining America’s military advantage, 87% of respondents consider having the world’s most powerful military crucial. 71% believe that when America becomes the world’s strongest country, peace is more likely to be achieved.
On the issue of export controls, 65% support strict limitations on selling advanced artificial intelligence chips to China. In the shipbuilding industry, almost nine out of ten (88%) believe that after knowing about China’s strong shipbuilding capabilities, the U.S. needs stronger manufacturing capabilities.
On the Taiwan issue, 60% of respondents support the U.S. defending Taiwan militarily, an increase from 48% last year; 77% consider it crucial for the U.S. military to protect Taiwan from Chinese aggression.
The Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is a non-profit organization established by President Reagan, dedicated to promoting his legacy and principles, including individual freedom, economic opportunity, and seeking peace through strength. The Institute has influential roles in American public affairs, domestic projects, governmental policies, and major international initiatives.