U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the Department of Defense will persist in using military force as a bargaining tool in international negotiations. According to Jin10, Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining a strong defense posture to ensure national security and influence global diplomatic outcomes. He reiterated the Pentagon's commitment to leveraging its military capabilities in discussions with foreign entities, highlighting the role of defense in shaping geopolitical landscapes. Hegseth's remarks underscore the ongoing emphasis on military strength as a key component of U.S. foreign policy.