Trump Unveils New Defense Policy Board
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a powerful new Defense Policy Board on Monday, marking another major move by the Trump administration to reshape the Pentagon with advisers who support its America First national security agenda.
The newly appointed panel brings together former Trump officials, experienced Republican leaders, and influential figures from the defense and technology sectors as the administration continues overhauling military leadership and long-term defense strategy.
Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who played a key role in President Donald Trump’s first administration, will serve as chairman of the board. Former Republican Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota has been selected as vice chairman.
Created in 1985, the Defense Policy Board serves as an independent advisory committee that offers recommendations to the defense secretary and other top Pentagon officials. Its work focuses on military strategy, global security threats, force modernization, defense planning, and America’s long-term military readiness.
The announcement comes after Hegseth dismissed every member of the previous board last April following an internal review of the Pentagon’s advisory structure. At the time, he said the Defense Department needed advisers who would better support the administration’s strategic priorities and help implement its new vision for the U.S. military.
The Pentagon officially reestablished the board several months later through a Federal Register notice, paving the way for an entirely new group of advisers.
One of the highest-profile selections is venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. His investment firm has backed several leading defense and artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI, SpaceX, Skydio, Hadrian, and Anduril—businesses that currently partner with the Pentagon on advanced military technologies and national security projects.
The advisory panel will also feature former Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters, as well as Michael Anton, who held the position of director of policy planning at the State Department during President Trump’s first administration.
The appointments reflect the administration’s continued effort to place trusted allies and experienced policy experts in influential advisory positions as it pushes to modernize the armed forces, strengthen military readiness, and confront growing challenges from rivals such as China, Russia, and Iran.
With a completely rebuilt advisory board now in place, Hegseth is signaling that the Pentagon’s future direction will closely align with President Trump’s broader defense agenda, setting the stage for additional military policy changes in the months ahead.