The Pentagon withdrew senior officials from the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado, which was scheduled to start Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The withdrawal followed Pentagon claims that the forum’s values do not align with the Department of Defense’s “America First” goals and that the event promotes globalism and disdain for the country.
The Aspen Security Forum is an annual high-profile event facilitating nonpartisan dialogue on global security challenges and includes senior officials from both parties and the military. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson conveyed that the Department of Defense does not wish to endorse an organization that has included former officials characterized as responsible for turmoil internationally and shortcomings domestically.
Aspen Institute expressed regret over the Pentagon’s absence but affirmed invitations remain open, while the DoD emphasized continuing focus on warfighter lethality and projecting peace through strength.
