Defense Secretary Pete Hegses announced the withdrawal of military speakers from this year’s Aspen Security Forum. Hegses confirmed the change, which impacts around 12 senior Pentagon officials, including the Navy Secretary, who were expected to participate.

Hegses noted that this decision is in response to unsuitable relations with the forum. The Aspen Institute, hosting the event starting Tuesday, has a mission focused on security, climate, and economic dialogue; however, the current administration has distanced itself from the organization.

Pentagon spokesman Kingsley Wilson expressed that the Department of Defense does not wish to associate with a group that has previously welcomed officials tied to controversial decisions abroad and failures at home. “They align against our core American values,” Wilson stated. He further emphasized that senior representatives from the Pentagon won’t attend events that propagate globalism or express animosity towards the US president.

The Defense Department has criticized the Aspen Institute, calling out its perceived liberal bias, particularly regarding the involvement of former national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who is linked to the Democratic Party’s Project 2029.

The Aspen Institute has supported initiatives targeting “misinformation” online and established connections with conservative groups addressing these issues. Additionally, the organization reportedly developed a plan related to the disclosure of Hunter Biden’s financial engagement around his father.

Financial backing for the Aspen Institute includes a $1.25 million donation from the Rockefeller Foundation. This information is available on the foundation’s website. Furthermore, Leslie Wexner, once associated with Jeffrey Epstein, is no longer listed among the institute’s leadership.

The Aspen Institute was contacted for comments.