Defense Secretary Hegseth Criticizes Media in Annual Address

<p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the U.S. media during a speech at a Marine Corps base in Virginia on September 30, 2026, stating: "Our so-called press makes Iranian state media look reasonable."</p><p><strong>Context: </strong>Hegseth characterized news outlets as a threat to U.S. troops, intensifying his criticism of journalists regarding reporting based on classified information.</p><hr /><p><strong>Key points: </strong>In his second annual "State of the Force" address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Hegseth accused some media members of "treason."</p><ul><li>He stated that while a free press is important, "partisan activism that intentionally smears the troops and the historic mission that they're undertaking is fundamentally anti-American. It's sick. It's a national betrayal. It's treason, actually."</li><li>Hegseth added, "It's your movements and bases that they reveal to the enemy. Ultimately, it's your lives they put directly at risk when they lie about munition stockpiles."</li></ul><p><strong>Additional context: </strong>Media reports about decreasing supplies of key munitions amid the conflict with Iran have drawn criticism from President Trump and his administration. Hegseth has frequently criticized the press and has implemented measures to limit media access to the Pentagon.</p><p><strong>Highlights from the speech: </strong>Hegseth reiterated themes related to cultural issues, emphasizing his efforts to reverse diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and gender equity initiatives in favor of "meritocracy."</p><ul><li>He remarked, "We are no longer the woke department or the weak department. Simple translation of that — no fatties, no trannies, no beardos, no weirdos, no wimps, no radicals. Just warriors."</li></ul><p><strong>Further developments: </strong>Hegseth confirmed plans for a 20% reduction in the number of generals and admirals in the military, while denying that the cuts should be characterized as a purge.</p><ul><li>He stated, "As usual, what the media levels as an accusation, I wear as an accomplishment."</li><li>Hegseth also announced the establishment of a new Autonomous Warfare Command, aimed at studying the future of warfare, which will involve Elon Musk, and a nationwide competition to determine the location of the next U.S. military base.</li></ul><p><strong>Related information: </strong><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/28/hegseth-elections-security-order" target="_blank">Hegseth directs Pentagon to combat foreign interference in U.S. elections</a></p>