Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is rapidly transforming the Pentagon according to his Fox News-era beliefs.

He has dismissed top female and minority officers, eliminated diversity programs, shut down civilian harm mitigation offices, and canceled climate change research.

Critics, including former Pentagon officials, warn these actions “do nothing to prepare forces” for future conflicts while harming recruitment during a shortage.

Hegseth has also weakened international military partnerships by confirming Ukraine will never join NATO and freezing weapons packages, while redirecting focus to Mexico’s border. Former Brigadier General Paul Eaton calls Hegseth a “Saturday showman” unfit for office.