WSJ Editorial: Hegseth Undermines Own Message

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a slate of good changes for the US military this week—then undercut his own message with a culture-war flourish, argues the conservative editorial board of the Wall Street Journal. In a speech outlining plans for "reviving the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and re-establishing deterrence," Hegseth detailed what the editorial sees as a smart set of initiatives to modernize the army and make it better able to adapt in a world of drone- and AI-driven warfare.

• "Alas, Mr. Hegseth couldn't resist his usual polarizing attack routine against all and sundry, and he even accused the press of 'treason' for publishing what's leaking out of the secretary's shop," reads the editorial. "The most remembered line of the speech will be Mr. Hegseth's declaration that the US military no longer abides 'beardos' or 'weirdos.' As a practical matter, has he met anyone in defense technology lately?"

The editors warn that this combative style, including rapid-fire firings of generals, risks alienating potential allies. Hegseth clearly "relishes attacking opponents, and even sometimes allies, as if he's running a political campaign," write the editors. "But he's a cabinet officer who needs allies to achieve his military goals." Read the full editorial.