Pete Hegseth outlined a shift in departmental priorities centered on restoring what he described as a traditional “warrior ethos,” arguing that removing ideological and political distractions will strengthen the readiness and effectiveness of U.S. war fighters.

Hegseth made the remarks while addressing supporters, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and combat effectiveness as the core mission.

Hegseth said the department is refocusing its approach around what he called common sense and a return to fundamentals.

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“Applying common sense is in our priorities of the department. First is we’re reviving the warrior ethos. We want to get rid of the distractions and the debris. No more DEI, no more dudes and dresses,” Hegseth said, drawing loud applause from the audience.

He continued by listing policies and initiatives he said have diverted attention away from the military’s primary mission.

“No more climate change, worship and social justice and political correctness. We’re done with that,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth argued that removing those elements allows service members to concentrate fully on their responsibilities as war fighters.

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“We’re unleashing the war fighter to be ready, trained, disciplined, accountable and lethal,” he said.

According to Hegseth, when service members are allowed to focus exclusively on war fighting, their capabilities stand out on the world stage.

“When you allow them to do that, they’re incredibly good at their job,” he said.

He pointed to recent U.S. actions overseas as evidence of that effectiveness.

“As the world has seen and as a indicted criminal in Venezuela found out about a week ago, what America could do is like no other country in the world,” Hegseth said, prompting another round of applause.

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