War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a blunt message this week that is shaking the military community: no more fat generals, no more woke culture, and no more resistance to the Trump agenda.
In his first major address to top commanders, Hegseth demanded accountability and discipline across every level of leadership. “It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon and leading commands around the country and the world,” he declared. “Whether you’re an airborne Ranger or a chairborne Ranger, a brand-new private or a four-star general, you need to meet the height and weight standards and pass your PT test.”
The speech carried a populist edge, aimed at restoring confidence among rank-and-file troops. Hegseth vowed to require all officers to train daily, set gender-neutral standards, and eliminate weak excuses that had long shielded senior brass from real accountability. “We’re not talking, like, hot yoga and stretching,” he said. “Real hard PT.”
Critics called the move dramatic, but supporters see it as long overdue. “A return to warfighting and preparation for winning wars as the priority mission of the department,” said Garrett Smith, a Marine Corps reservist and defense CEO.
Combat veterans praised Hegseth’s willingness to call out Pentagon leaders. Amber Smith put it plainly: “Generals and admirals are on notice. Comply and enforce these new policies and culture or be fired. No more woke leaders.”
That, in the end, was the unmistakable point of Hegseth’s message: the era of political games and physical excuses is over. The mission is winning wars—and “no more walking on eggshells.”
