Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is laying out an ambitious plan to overhaul the U.S. military by restoring its “warrior mentality” and raising core standards across the board—promising a return to discipline, physical toughness, and strategic focus.
In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News host Lara Trump, Hegseth described his tenure so far as the “honor of a lifetime” and said his top priority has been clear since day one: “Rebuild the warrior ethos and restore the might of our military—something President Trump began in his first term and we’re doing again.”
Praise for Iran Strike, “Operation Midnight Hammer”
Hegseth hailed last month’s U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as a historic success. Known as Operation Midnight Hammer, the mission used B-2 stealth bombers to destroy key Iranian targets and, according to Hegseth, demonstrated the precision and decisiveness now driving the military under Trump’s second term.
“This was one of the most brilliant efforts in our military history,” he said, giving credit to both the service members who executed the mission and Trump’s leadership in authorizing it. “His instincts were right—those targets were obliterated, and that changed everything.”
“Back to Basics” Approach to Military Culture
As part of his broader reforms, Hegseth said he’s emphasizing a return to basics in military life—starting with rigorous physical training.
“Doing PT in the morning is one of the most fundamental things we do. That’s how we build discipline and toughness, and that’s what we’re bringing back,” he said.
The defense chief also reaffirmed that physical standards will be applied equally to men and women. “It doesn’t matter who you are—if you’re carrying an artillery round or your wounded buddy off the battlefield, you need to meet the standard,” he stated.
Rebranding and Culture Shift
Hegseth recently announced changes aimed at reshaping military culture, including renaming a Navy tanker originally dedicated to a gay rights icon. The ship will now honor a Medal of Honor recipient—part of what Hegseth described as realigning the military’s symbols with “combat excellence.”
He also addressed troop morale and retention, citing new pay raises for Army paratroopers and signaling more support for families. “We want every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine to know—we have you and your families in mind,” he said.
A Family Mission
Hegseth acknowledged the personal demands of his role, crediting his wife and children for their support. “It’s been a family journey,” he said. “My wife is my rock—and the kids? I’m still just ‘Dad’ to them.”
Looking Ahead: ‘America First’ at the Pentagon
While celebrating the military’s recent accomplishments, Hegseth said the deeper transformation is still underway.
“Changing large institutions is never easy,” he said. “But the response from the American people—especially in recruiting—tells us we’re on the right path. There’s still a lot to do to truly stamp the Defense Department with the ‘America First’ mission. We’re just getting started.”
