Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday during a rare meeting with military leaders gathered from all U.S. bases worldwide that the American military will undergo reforms to put an end to what he described as “decades of decay.”
Speaking before hundreds of generals and admirals in Virginia, Hegseth declared the elimination of “ideological waste,” including concerns such as climate change, harassment, “toxic” leaders, and promotions to higher military ranks based on race and gender.
“The military has been forced by reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things. But no more,” he declared.
During his remarks, he emphasized that the military will require its members to meet the “highest male standards” in physical fitness tests, acknowledging that this decision could exclude some women from service.
“Standards must be uniform, gender-neutral, and high,” Hegseth stated.
He also warned of even greater changes in leadership.
His views were endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who also addressed senior military officials.
He opened his speech jokingly, saying he had never entered “a quieter room.”
“Together we will reawaken the warrior spirit. That spirit has won wars and built this nation,” Trump declared.
The U.S. president highlighted the achievements of the American military, mentioning the halting of several conflicts worldwide during his second presidential term.
He added that he hopes to stop an eighth conflict—if Hamas, the Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other powers, agrees to a ceasefire proposal in Gaza.
Israel has already accepted Trump’s plan.
