Pete Hegseth said the Trump administration is restoring what he described as a “warrior ethos” within the U.S. military by removing non-combat priorities and allowing commanders to focus exclusively on lethality, discipline, and mission execution.

Hegseth argued that recent changes within the War Department are eliminating what he called distractions that undermined readiness and effectiveness, while empowering military leaders to carry out their responsibilities without political or ideological interference.

“Reviving the warrior ethos. We’re eliminating the distractions and the debris. No more dei no more dudes and dresses, no more climate change, worship or social justice or political correctness. We’re done with all of that,” Hegseth said.

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He said the administration’s approach is centered on returning the military to its core purpose and trusting warfighters to do their jobs.

“We’re just unleashing the war fighter to be lethal, trained, disciplined, accountable and ready. And when you allow them to do that, they’re really good at their job,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth pointed to recent operational outcomes as evidence that the strategy is working, referencing an incident involving a criminal apprehended overseas.

“As an indicted criminal in Venezuela found out about a month ago,” he said.

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He also emphasized that leadership reforms have restored authority to commanders, allowing them to lead without excessive oversight or bureaucratic constraints.

“We are allowing commanders to be commanders again, leaders to be leaders,” Hegseth said.

According to Hegseth, feedback from those commanders has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the level of institutional backing they now receive.

“And what they say back to us is the most affirming words we could ever hear. Those commanders are saying, We’ve never felt this supported before, ever in our time in command,” he said.

Hegseth attributed that support directly to President Donald Trump and the War Department’s leadership structure, which he said has cleared obstacles and returned decision-making authority to those on the ground.

“Under President Trump and under the War Department, you’re allowing us to use the authorities to go out and do what we need to do, clearing out the debris,” Hegseth said.

He described that feedback as validation of the administration’s priorities and his own role within the department.

“That’s music to my ears. That’s my job, to serve those who serve,” Hegseth said.

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