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Pete Hegseth’s Controversial Views on Military Policies
Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as Secretary of Defense, has been vocal in his criticism of policies that permit openly gay individuals to serve in the U.S. military. He asserts that these policies form part of a “Marxist” agenda that prioritizes social justice over military readiness.
Publications and Critiques
In his 2024 book, “The War on Warriors,” and during various media engagements this year, Hegseth characterized both the former “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy and its repeal in 2011 as gateways for broader cultural changes he believes have jeopardized military cohesion and operational effectiveness. He argues that the shifts stem from a desire for political goals, equating them with an erosion of military standards.
During a 2015 segment on Fox News, he further advocated that the repeal of DADT had led to a decline in military standards, suggesting these shifts were motivated more by political correctness than by effective military strategy.
A Historical Perspective
The DADT policy was established during Bill Clinton’s presidency in the 1990s, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation. However, if a service member’s orientation became known, it could lead to discharge. The policy was overturned during the Obama administration, enabling openly gay individuals to serve.
Hegseth’s Reflections and Recent Statements
Hegseth’s reflections on the repeal of DADT reveal a journey from initial ambivalence to regret. In his writings, he describes the repeal as a significant breach that paved the way for additional cultural and ideological changes within the military. Recently, he appeared to soften his stance, stating, “Oppose the repeal? No, I don’t,” and dismissed earlier reports about his criticisms as “false reporting.”
Military Service Background
A former host on Fox News, Hegseth has nearly two decades of service in the Minnesota Army National Guard, retiring as a major. His deployments include serving as an infantry platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay and in combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning multiple awards, including two Bronze Stars.
Changing Perspectives on Service Members
As he prepared for deployment to Afghanistan, Hegseth recalls the repeal of DADT being announced, describing a unit briefing filled with jokes and a sense of normalcy regarding LGBTQ+ individuals already serving. He now expresses regret not out of animosity towards gay Americans but from a realization that he underestimated the implications of repealing DADT. He believes that the left has exploited goodwill to further their agenda.
Critiques of Current Military Policies
Hegseth has thrown his voice against what he terms “woke” policies, which allow women and transgender individuals to serve openly in the military. He argues that these adaptations detract from military efficiency, referring back to the consequences of DADT’s repeal.
During a 2015 interview, he stated, “What you’re seeing is a military right now that is more interested in social engineering led by this president than they are in war fighting.” He conveyed concerns that military standards might deteriorate to accommodate social quotas rather than focusing purely on readiness and operational competence.
Evidence Lacking in Claims
Despite his claims regarding the negative impacts of openly LGBTQ+ service members, Hegseth’s writings do not provide specific incidents to substantiate his arguments. When asked about potential policy changes he might pursue as Secretary of Defense, a Trump transition spokesperson emphasized that military standards and readiness should remain the priority, rather than accommodating cultural and social agendas.
Maintaining Military Standards
In private conversations, Hegseth is said to support women in combat roles, provided they meet established standards applicable to all service members. He reiterated support for women’s service, though his views on DADT’s repeal remain ambiguous.
Evolution of Military Policies on Gender and Sexual Orientation
Under the Obama administration, significant milestones included lifting the ban on transgender individuals in the military and opening all combat positions to women. In 2021, President Biden repealed the Trump-era policies limiting transgender service. Meanwhile, women now account for approximately 17.5% of the active-duty force within the Department of Defense.
Public Perception of LGBTQ+ Military Service
Public attitudes toward openly gay service personnel have evolved positively, with increasing support over the years. Polls have reflected rising acceptance; for instance, in 2013, 66% of Americans supported women in combat roles. The RAND Corporation reported that a small percentage of active-duty military personnel identify as LGBTQ+, with some still feeling uncomfortable being open about their identities.
Modernizing Military Records
This year, the Pentagon has started updating the military records of individuals discharged under the DADT policy to reflect honorable discharges, granting access to benefits previously unavailable to them.
Hegseth’s View on Military Culture
In media appearances, Hegseth criticized contemporary military advertising campaigns that highlight diversity, suggesting they exemplify a shift away from traditional military values toward individualistic representations. He attributes this change to a broader cultural shift initiated in part by policies such as DADT, arguing that these adjustments have led to a decline in the military’s focus on unity and readiness.
