'Unquestioning' worship: Officials blindsided by new Trump admin policy

28 July

A broad group of Defense Department (DOD) insiders worry that the newly imposed ban preventing personnel from attending think tank or research events will effectively silence the military and further cut it off from partners, Politico reported Monday.

Such events have long been a vital avenue for the Pentagon to share policy and receive feedback.

These new restrictions come amid other controversial actions by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Top generals and numerous admirals have been fired, and he’s repeatedly attacked the “left-wing” media.

The new policy is already causing bureaucratic confusion. For example, a planned video conference with the outgoing U.S. general in Africa was abruptly canceled — a decision tied to concerns about compliance with the new restrictions, per the report. It coincided with the realization that high-level officials, including Navy Secretary John Phelan, were set to attend the Aspen summit, which the Pentagon judged ideologically misaligned.

One defense official, who was not named, told Politico: “It is absolutely to control who says what, where, and when.”

According to numerous officials and think tank leaders, this change undermines the department’s ability to advocate its positions both in D.C. circles and to international allies who are trying to navigate how they fit into President Donald Trump’s strategic vision.

Some aspects of the order are said to be unclear. Two officials were quoted as saying in the report that they’re still waiting for directional guidance from Hegseth’s office; another said no formal orders were issued yet.

One official added, “I am standing by and updating my X every hour on the hour,” underscoring the urgent demand for clarity.

According to the report, many senior leaders are canceling public speaking commitments just to comply — often unsure if they’re covered under the new policy.

Lower-ranking members are left questioning the implications: Can they still join wargames or tabletop exercises hosted by think tanks? Participate in fellowship programs? Are all think tank events off‑limits, or only those branded as “America Last” by the administration?

“Just another step toward unquestioning sycophancy,” one military officer commented.

The report further noted that with the Pentagon now weighing the potential withdrawal of thousands of troops overseas and ending decades-old policies, this context is especially significant.

Becca Wasser, a former Army official and current fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told the publication: “The DOD can’t tell its message… They can’t convey the key points to the public. It’s a self-inflicted problem.”

Critics warn that barring officials from premier global forums gives the appearance of party allegiance to an institution meant to remain apolitical.

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