Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is laying out his vision for a major transformation of the U.S. military, emphasizing a return to discipline, physical rigor, and a revived warrior mindset under the Trump administration.
In a recent interview with Fox News host Lara Trump, Hegseth called it the “honor of a lifetime” to lead the Pentagon and outlined key changes already underway.
“Restore the Warrior Ethos”
“Our commitment has been clear from the first minute,” Hegseth said. “Restore the warrior ethos, rebuild our military—which President Trump did in the first term, and we’re doing again.”
Central to that mission is a focus on getting troops “back to basics,” starting with daily physical training.
“One of the most basic things you can do in the military is PT in the morning,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to do.”
High Standards for All Troops
Hegseth made it clear that physical standards won’t be lowered for anyone.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman,” he said. “Carrying a rucksack, an artillery round, or your buddy off the battlefield—you just need to meet the standard.”
Praise for Operation Midnight Hammer
He also highlighted the U.S. military’s recent strike on Iranian nuclear sites—Operation Midnight Hammer—as a turning point. The B-2 bomber mission, carried out in June, was hailed by Hegseth as “one of the most brilliant efforts in our military history.”
“All the love and credit go to those in uniform who pulled it off,” he said. “But again, our commander-in-chief set the tone.”
Trump’s instinct, Hegseth noted, was key to the operation’s success: “He knew what those weapons could do. They were delivered to the right places. Those places were obliterated. He was right.”
Family Support and Long-Term Goals
Hegseth also thanked his wife and family for their support, saying they’ve been his foundation during a demanding time.
“It’s been a family thing from the beginning,” he said. “I couldn’t do this without my wife—she’s been my rock.”
Although pleased with early progress, Hegseth emphasized that the full transformation of the military is still in its early stages.
“Driving change into institutions is difficult,” he said. “There’s a ton of work left to truly put the ‘America First’ stamp on the Defense Department. We’ve just gotten started.”
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