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(AP) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a highly controversial and combative speech Tuesday to the nation's top military leaders, drawing bipartisan criticism for attacking the military's code of ethics, weakening oversight mechanisms, and promoting an aggressive rejection of diversity and accountability measures.
Speaking to hundreds of generals and admirals flown in from around the world—a gathering that reportedly cost taxpayers millions—Hegseth declared an end to what he called “politically correct” constraints on the armed forces. He announced plans to overhaul rules of engagement, dismantle oversight by military inspectors general, and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the Department of Defense.
“We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy,” Hegseth said. “We don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement… we kill people and break things for a living.”
He also signaled a rollback of investigations into war crimes, describing oversight mechanisms as “weaponized” and vowing to neuter them. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and longtime Trump ally, previously advocated for pardons of service members accused or convicted of war crimes during Trump’s first term.
The speech went further, suggesting the return of violent disciplinary practices in basic training and a rejection of protections for victims of abuse and harassment. Hegseth dismissed DEI policies as “toxic ideological garbage,” vowing to end programs related to identity recognition, climate change, and gender inclusion.
“If you don’t like it, resign,” he told the assembled military leadership.
Former President Donald Trump later addressed the same group, echoing Hegseth’s tone and warning commanders that failure to show support would cost them their careers. “If you don't like what I'm saying, you can leave the room. Of course, there goes your rank, there goes your future,” Trump said.
The gathering and speech triggered swift backlash from Democratic lawmakers.
“He billed the taxpayers millions to fly every general to Washington to hear this weirdo drivel,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) in a statement on X.
The remarks mark a stark shift in military leadership under Hegseth, signaling a combative new posture that critics say undermines ethical standards, accountability, and morale within the armed forces.
