Hegseth Assures Indo-Pacific Allies, Including Australia, of US Backing

In a brief visit to the region, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has promised The Trump administration would ’truly prioritise and shift to this region.’

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) and Philippines' Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro hold a joint press conference after their meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila on March 28, 2025. TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images

Remarks by United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicate that, while the Pentagon may be withdrawing support for European allies, it remains firmly committed to those in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia.

Speaking at a press conference in Manila on March 28, he promised that the Trump administration would “truly prioritise and shift to this region of the world in a way that is unprecedented.