At a recent mandatory meeting down in Virginia, Pete Hegseth raised quite the stink. The ever-provocative political commentator and military hipster used the occasion to issue some pretty controversial criticism leveled at the generals running our military. The meeting quickly became heated as Hegseth challenged everyone to speak truthfully. He urged participants to “speak truth to power in simple terms” and vehemently voiced his fierce disapproval of military culture.
Hegseth’s comments ranged from disparaging remarks about military personnel to bold proclamations regarding America’s military capabilities. He asserted that if enemies were to challenge the United States, they would be “crushed by the violence, precision and ferocity of the war department.” This shocking pronouncement further emphasized his hawkish approach to U.S. military engagements and preparedness.
During the meeting, Hegseth declared “liberation day” for America’s military “warriors,” who he described as individuals who “kill people and break things for a living.” He proposed a ban on beards and long hair among service members, asserting that America’s military standards would soon resemble “a Grindr profile—no fatties, no facial hair.”
Hegseth’s comments on military personnel’s aesthetics were popular, but not for all the right reasons. He criticized what he termed “fat troops,” claiming, “It’s completely unacceptable to see fat admirals and generals in the halls of the Pentagon.” His comments sparked a firestorm of fury from opponents. They claim that everything he says reinforces negative stereotypes and chips away at the morale of the service members.
And as ever, late-night hosts have taken to the mics in order to quack Hegseth’s statements. Stephen Colbert couldn’t help but joke that Pete Hegseth is known for coming to the rescue. Surprise host Jason Chaffetz quipped, “When it’s a room full of people, that’s an intervention.” Colbert added, “Gosh, did you hear that, five-star generals? Pete did a swear,” referencing Hegseth’s colorful language during the meeting.
Ronny Chieng, a fellow late-night host, jumped in on the fun too, ridiculing Hegseth’s focus on physical requirements. He said, “That’s what you summoned all these generals for? To tell them they’re fat? Chieng further emphasized Hegseth’s stringent criteria by stating, “According to Pete Hegseth, America’s military standards are now going to be indistinguishable from a Grindr profile – no fatties, no facial hair, and get those ladies the fuck out of my sight.”
Hegseth took a firm stance against what he termed “climate change worship,” proclaiming, “No more division, distraction, or gender delusions. No more debris. As I’ve said before and will say again, we are done with that shit.” His comments are part of a larger pattern among many right-wing politicians who try to use military prioritization to redirect attention from social problems.
Former President Donald Trump addressed the conference. He was all but certain that he could get a peace deal in Gaza made. As our friend Seth Meyers pointed out during a recent broadcast, this was just a few short years ago.
He’s a first-rate bomb thrower and frequently in trouble for his controversial views. His first meeting with U.S. generals has already created a huge rift in public opinion. Supporters of his statements interpret them as a needed call for courage and accountability. Critics argue that they erode the professionalism and diversity of the armed services.