Pete Hegseth delivered an address on Tuesday to a few hundred of our nation’s top military leaders, many of whom are stationed around the world, actively operating against hostile situations or positioned to prevent more hostility from happening. These leaders are the women and men who have dedicated their lives and careers to protecting our country and ultimately the world. Many of them are a decade or two older than Hegseth, serving in higher positions than he did himself in the military.
Last week it was reported by The Washington Post that the event was to be taking place. Little to no detail was provided by the Pentagon, leading to speculation and worry, since a gathering like this had never before been held. When asked about it by a reporter in the Oval Office, President Trump himself seemed unaware and confused, saying that Hegseth would be meeting with military leaders from other countries.
The idea of the gathering seemed odd. Why would Hegseth summon them, considering the logistical effort and expense? If the purpose actually was related to a significant conflict or threat, the Pentagon of course would handle that differently and more secretly.
Dan Caine, the unconventional pick to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, kicked off the meeting by stating America’s enemies were terrified that all the top American military leaders were together in the same room. That probably was not the case. There was no reported reaction by any foe of the U.S. And despite the unknowns of the meeting, nobody expected that a significant strategy directed at some or all of America’s enemies would be announced in such a public way. Plus, very few in-depth, well-intentioned, fully-thought-through policy announcements come from any department within Trump’s government.
In the end, perhaps predictably and unsurprisingly, the event was Hegseth’s selfish opportunity to display his secretarial power and control over these experienced leaders, the chance to share his personal thoughts on how the military should act and look. Hegseth developed these views over the years through his own military experiences, working at nonprofits that served service members and veterans, and by writing books on the topics. A lot of his preferences on the military seek to counter how it was run during the Obama and Biden administrations, which is fair. Hegseth said he was turning the Woke Department into the War Department.
By organizing the event, Hegseth probably also sought to create a showy spectacle that would get the attention and praise of Trump, who values catchy messaging over substance. Cabinet officials seem to be in a competition for who can best get the president’s favor through their TV appearances, excessively complimentary statements to him in meetings, and attacks on those he considers political enemies. Those efforts also serve to position themselves for a presidential run in 2028 as the successor to Trump, a thought that would certainly be appealing to Hegseth.
Hegseth can very confidently and effectively deliver a speech, a natural ability honed through years of work at Fox News. But pacing back and forth across the stage in his blue suit, reading his remarks from TVs hanging off the balcony, and even plugging his book, Hegseth seemed out of place in front of the military leaders in their decorated uniforms, more like a consultant-type giving a keynote at some industry conference.
Or it was like the seasoned-adult military leaders were appeasing an overly enthusiastic, idealistic younger guy in their ranks, who thinks he knows everything and has it all figured out, with those leaders saying to each other, Let’s just allow him to talk a little bit, then we can get back to the real work. Hegseth confirmed his youthful inexperience by dropping words and phrases such as fat, beardo, FAFO, and Done with that shit throughout his 45-minute address.
What was the ultimate point in getting all our military leaders together? In short, Hegseth’s message was the United States needed to be prepared for war, not defense. To do this, our service members cannot be in a sensitive, woke setting that gives them various accommodations. There needs to be less direction from “foolish and reckless politicians.” More investments need to be made in military equipment and technology. Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen at all ranks and any age need to look the part that Hegseth has in his mind for them. They need to be in shape and pass new physical fitness standards that Hegseth will soon be announcing. Weight needs to be lost. Beards need to be shaved. If women want to serve, they need to physically perform at the same level as men. Drill sergeants need to be tough again, to instill even more toughness in our future service members.
Despite his original confusion over the event, it was still no surprise that Trump ended up attending and speaking himself. The president’s age showed. He looked tired. His voice was quieter, hoarser. His shoulders hung low. He mostly read off the teleprompter, giving a typical hour-plus rambling speech that would seem familiar to anyone who has heard a few of his speeches.
He took credit for resolving “seven wars” since getting into office again, though some of them would be considered conflicts or disputes, not all-out wars.
When Trump did go off script, he verged into non-military issues such as tariffs, investments that businesses are making, and his dislike of news media.
While Hegseth had stressed that military leaders needed to be “rip out the politics” and be apolitical, Trump ignored that standard, criticizing the “last four years of incompetence” under Joe Biden, who Trump said used an autopen for everything aside from pardoning his son, Hunter.
Hegseth also criticized “keyboard complaining,” calling it unworthy and cowardly. This was an ironic point, since Trump’s notoriety is in part due to the attacks he posts online.
In another contrast of messaging, Trump stressed nuclear deterrence, while Hegseth said we were moving out of the business of defense to have a focus on war.
In the end, the event left more questions than assurances. What war does Hegseth have in mind that he wants the country and its “warriors” to fight? What would happen to an America that is both at war and led by Trump and Hegseth? Hopefully we will not find out.