Veterans’ groups and serving personnel have condemned US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after he delivered a speech to hundreds of senior military officials, criticising diversity measures and proposing guidance that could exclude women from combat roles. Mr Hegseth dismissed what he called “woke garbage” and denounced current rules of engagement, while making derogatory remarks about transgender service members. He also signalled plans to reduce service members’ ability to report discrimination, prompting concern that bullying and harassment could increase unchecked.
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Mr Hegseth argued that women in combat should meet the “highest male standard” for fitness, stating that if no women qualified for such roles “so be it”. His comments provoked a strong response from female veterans, who highlighted the proven record of women serving in frontline positions. Marine veteran Jojo Sweat, of the advocacy group Common Defence, accused him of “erasing the contributions of thousands” of women who have fought and led alongside male colleagues, insisting that diverse forces have consistently demonstrated effectiveness in combat.
The event, which also featured an address from former president Donald Trump, was convened at short notice and drew criticism for its tone and cost. Air Force veteran Gretchen Klingler said the administration was attempting to politicise the military, undermining the democratic values it is meant to uphold. Retired Army Major General Paul Eaton described the gathering as “self-aggrandising civilian leadership” at a time when military families are under economic strain, while Senator Jack Reed, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called it “a dangerous dereliction of leadership”.
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Mr Trump, speaking after Mr Hegseth, suggested that US cities could be used as “training grounds” for active-duty troops against what he called “the enemy within”. The remarks were branded “reckless” and “authoritarian” by critics, with Representative Seth Moulton insisting that “there is no enemy from within” and warning of lasting damage to military cohesion and reputation. Critics argue that both Mr Hegseth’s and Mr Trump’s language risks dividing the armed forces at a time of international tension, undermining morale and trust across the ranks.
