Pete Hegseth was asked about military recruitment by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and the defense secretary touted record numbers of people who have signed up for military service. He claimed more people were excited about serving under President Donald Trump.
The congressman made a sarcastic comment referring to Hegseth and the administration’s stance on removing transgender soldiers.
“Mr. secretary, I’m a little confused. are you telling me that the folks that are voting with the commitment to the country, are not upset that they are not allowed to use different pronouns?” the congressman said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends a House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., June 10, 2025.
Annabelle Gordon/Reuters
Hegseth chuckled, contending that “if they wanted to get a woke indoctrination, they can just go to college.”
“Instead they are joining the military where we’re focused on the basics. We know men are men, women are women,” he added.