Maga donors

Pete Hegseth's Pentagon initiative, dubbed Project Meridian, is reportedly putting key decisions about the future of American warfare into the hands of prominent Maga donors, according to reporting by The Guardian. The story has drawn attention to the overlap between Trump administration defence policy and its network of major political fundraisers.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary at the Pentagon, is facing criticism after a Guardian report said he placed key defence roles linked to the future of warfare in the hands of major Trump donors. The report is drawing attention to the influence of Maga-aligned donors over military policy and decision-making under the Trump administration.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny over a report that he has involved major Maga donors in shaping the future of US warfare, reportedly through a taskforce that includes Elon Musk. The Guardian report draws criticism that military modernization decisions are being influenced by political loyalists and wealthy backers rather than career defense professionals, raising concerns about conflicts of interest at the Pentagon.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly placing the future of American warfare in the hands of major Maga donors, with Elon Musk among those involved in a new warfare taskforce. The Guardian reports the arrangement raises questions about influence over military strategy by political allies rather than career defence officials. Critics see it as a politicisation of the Pentagon, while allies frame it as bringing outside innovation into defence planning.