Hegseth Taps Lighthizer, Coleman to Reshape Defense Policy Board

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday dramatically reconstituted the influential Defense Policy Board, naming former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer as chair and former Senator Norm Coleman as vice chair. This move follows Hegseth's April 2025 'zero-based' review that dismissed all previous members, signaling a clear intent to steer defense and national security advice in a new, distinct direction. The reshuffle comes as the board, tasked with offering independent counsel on long-term strategic planning, force structure, and regional defense policies, has seen recurring partisan purges in recent years. Lighthizer, a known architect of 'America First' trade policies, brings a background focused on national economic interest and a more protectionist stance to the strategic defense sphere, a significant shift from traditional defense thinking. Coleman's extensive experience on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his oversight work provide a legislative and investigative lens, though his post-Senate career as a lobbyist for foreign governments like Saudi Arabia may invite scrutiny. Observers will be keenly watching how this newly configured board's advice, likely to champion a more nationalist and less interventionist foreign policy, influences the Department of War's strategic decisions amidst global challenges. The appointments of other ideologically aligned figures, including tech billionaire Marc Andreessen and conservative author Michael Anton, further underscore the administration's push for 'fresh thinking' and could reshape U.S. defense posture and international alliances in the coming years.