US defence secretary Hegseth outlines anti‑diversity measures at State of the Force address

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used his second “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, to reiterate plans to cut the number of US generals by 20 % and to promote his anti‑diversity agenda.

Speaking to lower‑ranking troops, Hegseth said the focus of formations should be “training, readiness, accountability, discipline, and lethality”, adding that “the complainers, the ideologues, and the poor performers are no longer in the driver’s seat”. He warned the media, calling it “anti‑American losers”, and claimed the department was no longer “woke”.

During the same event Hegseth announced that Elon Musk will co‑lead a new Department of Defence project, Project Meridian, alongside Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey and former House speaker Newt Gingrich. The 120‑day study aims to identify capabilities required for “absolute technological dominance on the next‑generation battlefield” and will conclude with an unclassified public report.

The Pentagon’s rapid‑response social media account highlighted Hegseth’s criticism of the press, describing journalists as “juiced up on Trump Derangement Syndrome”.

Source: The Guardian. Photo: Werner Pfennig / Pexels.