The View Attacks Pete Hegseth For… Working Out?

Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, initiated a policy shift to remove 'wokeness' and restore traditional warfighting standards, including physical fitness, in the U.S. military, sparking criticism from left-leaning media figures.

• Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to remove 'wokeness' and restore traditional warfighting standards in the U.S. military.

• Hegseth's policies target 'fat dudes' and 'dudes in dresses,' ending DEI initiatives and re-establishing high physical and combat standards.

• Left-leaning media criticizes these reforms as unnecessary and politicizing, despite historical context and rising recruitment numbers under Hegseth's leadership.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed top military leaders at Quantico, outlining a significant internal recalibration for the U.S. military aimed at removing 'wokeness' and prioritizing traditional warfighting. His remarks, which included criticisms of 'fat dudes' and 'dudes in dresses,' emphasized returning to high physical and combat standards. This policy shift is presented as a response to perceived social engineering within the military under previous administrations and has been met with strong opposition from left-leaning commentators and media outlets like The View.

Hegseth's Military Recalibration

• 00:00:41 Pete Hegseth, as Secretary of Defense, organized a meeting for top military leaders at Quantico, signaling a recalibration of the U.S. military's internal approach. His past work has extensively critiqued 'wokeness' and lowered standards within the military, attributing them to left-wing ideologies that diminish the military's effectiveness and global standing. This event was an opportunity for him to implement changes he has advocated for years, aiming to reverse these trends and refocus the military on its core mission.

Addressing 'Wokeness' & Standards

• 00:01:50 Secretary Hegseth's remarks focused on eliminating 'wokeness' in the military, specifically railing against 'fat dudes' and 'men in dresses,' referencing past recruiting efforts that included drag performances. He announced an end to 'identity months,' DEI offices, 'climate change worship,' and 'gender illusion,' advocating for a return to rigorous physical and combat standards. This move is presented as aligned with the sentiments of American people and military enlistees, aiming to prioritize warfighting over social engineering.

Politicization of Institutions

• 00:05:01 The left is accused of 'gaslighting' by first politicizing institutions like higher education and the military with left-wing ideologies, and then criticizing attempts to restore these institutions to their original, apolitical missions. When figures like Hegseth seek to reverse social engineering efforts and return the military to its core function of winning wars and upholding high standards, the left claims 'politicization.' This is seen as a hypocritical attempt to maintain ideological control over fundamental American institutions.

Criticism from 'The View'

• 00:11:17 Members of 'The View' and other left-leaning commentators expressed confusion and anger regarding Hegseth's emphasis on physical fitness and high standards in the military. They questioned why toughening physical standards or rejecting 'dudes in dresses' was considered an 'uplifting message' or necessary. Critics like Molly Jong-Fast misinterpret historical military contexts, suggesting that past efforts towards anti-discrimination led to a 'more egalitarian force' which was 'really great for the military,' despite the Vietnam War being a disaster for the U.S. military.