A remark made by Pete Hegseth at West Point recently went viral on social media. The US Secretary of Defense was present at the military academy to address graduates. While there, Hegseth also took a shot at identity politics in his speech.
Pete Hegseth’s West Point speech raises eyebrows
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently addressed cadets at the West Point military academy in New York. Although he gave a full speech, his “fat” comment is what particularly caught the attention of many social media users.
While he addressed the graduates at the academy, Hegseth told them, “You are fit, not fat. You are disciplined, not distracted.” According to NPR, previously, Hegseth made a similar comment in 2025 in which he said, “It’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops. Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon.”
In his speech at West Point, Hegseth also urged the cadets to be ready to enter battle. He conveyed that the graduates should be prepared as they are “ready” to tackle battle situations. He added that the cadets will be part of a battle in which “the stakes could not be higher.”
Hegseth further blasted identity politics and diversity added to the military curriculum and labeled it “anti-American.” The Defense Secretary asserted, “The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy. Combat is the ultimate test, and our best Americans must ace it. They embraced the DEI craze and tried to introduce diversity and inclusion studies, but no more.” He stated that West Point evaluates its cadets based on their performance. Hegseth also stated that he and President Donald Trump will always support the cadets when tough decisions are made in the last minute of a battle.
Originally reported by Ishita Verma on Mandatory.
