FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The 4th annual Northeast Indiana Defense Summit continues Wednesday in Fort Wayne. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered remarks during the morning. following an introduction by Senator Jim Banks.
Day two of the summit is taking place on the campus of Purdue University Fort Wayne. The summit is described as, “a two-day forum in support of Indiana’s leading role in our National Defense. Speakers and attendees will include policy makers, industry specialists, and economic development leaders.” The goal is to bolster northeast Indiana’s role in the defense industry.
“I am honored to host Secretary Hegseth at our 4th Annual Northeast Indiana Defense Summit. Secretary Hegseth recognizes the vital role Hoosiers play in strengthening America’s national security and military readiness. His leadership and commitment to our armed forces will help ensure Indiana remains a cornerstone of our nation’s defense industry,” stated Banks in the press release announcing Hegseth’s visit.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan called Indiana the “quiet giant” of the defense industry and said the future depended on people who manufacture things, imploring Indiana companies to continue growing both their workforce and capacity.
Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News anchor, was a controversial pick to become Secretary of Defense, in part because he had no prior administrative experience in the military. President Donald Trump changed the department’s name from Department of Defense to Department of War on September 5.
The organizations Indivisible Northeast Indiana, Generation Action, and Every Campus A Refuge are protested Hegseth’s visit. The groups say they will show their disapproval of Hegseth’s actions which include the banning books at the Naval Academy, the removal of DEI practices at the War Department, the bombing of boats and the killing of more than 70 people without a declaration of war by Congress among other things.
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