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Hegseth Reforms Defense Policy Board, Lighthizer Leads (7)

6/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday a 15-member Defense Policy Board chaired by former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
The board was reestablished in August 2025 by a Federal Register notice after Hegseth removed all members in April 2025.
Members include venture capitalist Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz, former Senator Norm Coleman as vice chair, and Blake Masters and Michael Anton.

History

Historical Context

Created in the Reagan era, the Defense Policy Board has long supplied private-sector counsel, gaining prominence under George W. Bush when Richard Perle and Jack Keane shaped Iraq policy. Trump’s 2020 purge removed most members, a move reversed by Biden’s 2021 reinstatement. After Pete Hegseth dismissed the board in April 2025, he revived a 15-member panel in August 2025, appointing former USTR Robert Lighthizer.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday a 15-member Defense Policy Board chaired by former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
The board was reestablished in August 2025 by a Federal Register notice after Hegseth removed all members in April 2025.
Members include venture capitalist Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz, former Senator Norm Coleman as vice chair, and Blake Masters and Michael Anton.

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