US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has vowed to rid the US Army of 'fatties' and transgender people, telling Marine Corps members in Quantico, Virginia, that 20% of top military leaders have been fired as he looks to introduce a new 'warrior' ethos.
Hegseth's 'warrior' vision
'We are no longer the woke department or the weak department,' he said. 'No fatties, no trannies, no beardos, no weirdos, no wimps, no radicals. Just warriors.'
He added: 'The ideological clowns are out. The patriotic cowboys are in, with testosterone testing on top. Diversity is not our strength. Unity is our strength.'
Testosterone testing programme
Since taking his position, Hegseth has been pushing for major reform in the Armed Forces, even as the war with Iran drags on. In July, the US military began offering testosterone tests, and those with low levels will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy. The military currently bans taking testosterone for non-medical reasons, but Hegseth has stressed that the programme isn't about 'artificial enhancement'.
Broader reforms and controversy
Since taking up his position as Secretary of Defence, Hegseth has changed the agency's name to the 'Department of War' and placed a major focus on Christian nationalism. He's also known for his aggressive tactics towards the press who question ongoing military operations in Iran.
Earlier this year, Hegseth told reporters that the entire world 'should be saying thank you' to Trump and claimed the Iran War has been a success. He also slammed critics who have questioned the length of the war and the widespread effects.
At the start of the war, some American soldiers were told the conflict was 'God's plan' to bring about the end of the world by officials, it was previously revealed. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation received more than 200 complaints from personnel across all branches of the armed forces. One complainant said their commander kicked off their combat readiness briefing by 'urging us not to be "afraid"' of the looming threat of war.
