Veterans react to Hegseth’s ‘insulting’ address to generals and admirals

The GuardianWednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:00:22 AM
Veterans react to Hegseth’s ‘insulting’ address to generals and admirals
Veterans are expressing strong disapproval of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent address to military leaders, which many found to be egotistical and dangerous. Naveed Shah, a veteran and activist, highlighted the speech's focus on physical fitness and a doctrine of lethality, suggesting it undermines the values of the military. This reaction matters because it reflects a growing concern among veterans about the direction of military leadership and its implications for service members.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
What do Trump and Hegseth’s inflammatory speeches to military generals signal? | Moira Donegan
NegativeWorld Affairs
The recent assembly of military generals called by Donald Trump and his defense secretary Pete Hegseth raises concerns about the potential politicization of the U.S. military. This unusual demand for an in-person meeting at Quantico echoes historical moments when military leadership was summoned for partisan purposes, suggesting a troubling shift towards using the armed forces as a tool for political gain. This matters because it challenges the long-standing principle of military neutrality and could undermine public trust in the armed forces.
What do Trump and Hegseth’s inflammatory speeches to military generals signal? | Moira Donegan
NegativeWorld Affairs
The recent assembly of military generals called by Donald Trump and his defense secretary Pete Hegseth raises concerns about the potential politicization of the U.S. military. This unusual demand for an in-person meeting at Quantico echoes historical moments when military leadership was summoned for partisan purposes, suggesting a troubling shift towards using the armed forces as a tool for political gain. This matters because it challenges the long-standing principle of military neutrality and could undermine public trust in the armed forces.
Stephen Colbert on Pete Hegseth: ‘A five-star douche’
NegativeWorld Affairs
In a recent segment, Stephen Colbert took aim at Pete Hegseth's controversial speech to US generals, where he criticized military personnel for being 'fat troops.' This bizarre address has sparked discussions about military standards and the looming government shutdown. Colbert's sharp commentary highlights the absurdity of Hegseth's remarks, making it a significant moment in late-night television that resonates with ongoing national conversations about military readiness and government accountability.
Stephen Colbert on Pete Hegseth: ‘A five-star douche’
NegativeWorld Affairs
In a recent segment, Stephen Colbert took aim at Pete Hegseth's controversial speech to US generals, where he criticized military personnel for being 'fat troops.' This bizarre address has sparked discussions about military standards and the looming government shutdown. Colbert's sharp commentary highlights the absurdity of Hegseth's remarks, making it a significant moment in late-night television that resonates with ongoing national conversations about military readiness and government accountability.
How Pakistan misread the Taliban and lost peace on the frontier
NegativeWorld Affairs
The ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have escalated as Kabul refuses to take action against the Pakistan Taliban, leaving Islamabad in a difficult position. This situation is significant because it highlights the fragile peace on the frontier and the potential for military strikes or expulsions, which could further destabilize the region.
How Pakistan misread the Taliban and lost peace on the frontier
NegativeWorld Affairs
The ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have escalated as Kabul refuses to take action against the Pakistan Taliban, leaving Islamabad in a difficult position. This situation is significant because it highlights the fragile peace on the frontier and the potential for military strikes or expulsions, which could further destabilize the region.
Trump's approach to cartels mirrors the global war on terror, officials say
NeutralWorld Affairs
The Trump administration's strategy for tackling drug cartels draws parallels to military operations used in the global war on terror, particularly following the September 11 attacks. This approach suggests a significant shift in how the U.S. addresses drug-related violence, emphasizing military tactics to combat these organizations. Understanding this strategy is crucial as it may reshape U.S. foreign and domestic policy regarding drug enforcement and security.
Trump's approach to cartels mirrors the global war on terror, officials say
NeutralWorld Affairs
The Trump administration's strategy for tackling drug cartels draws parallels to military operations used in the global war on terror, particularly following the September 11 attacks. This approach suggests a significant shift in how the U.S. addresses drug-related violence, emphasizing military tactics to combat these organizations. Understanding this strategy is crucial as it may reshape U.S. foreign and domestic policy regarding drug enforcement and security.
Hegseth bashes wokeness in unprecedented meeting with top military brass
PositiveWorld Affairs
In a groundbreaking meeting at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed 800 top military leaders, criticizing the rise of wokeness within the armed forces. This gathering is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate about the influence of social issues on military culture and readiness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a focused and unified military leadership.
Hegseth bashes wokeness in unprecedented meeting with top military brass
PositiveWorld Affairs
In a groundbreaking meeting at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed 800 top military leaders, criticizing the rise of wokeness within the armed forces. This gathering is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate about the influence of social issues on military culture and readiness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a focused and unified military leadership.
Hegseth rails against 'beardos' and 'woke' in gathering of US generals
NeutralWorld Affairs
In a rare gathering, hundreds of high-ranking military leaders met with the Department of Defense secretary, where prominent figures like Hegseth voiced strong opinions against what they termed 'beardos' and 'woke' culture. This meeting highlights ongoing tensions within the military regarding cultural issues and leadership direction, making it a significant moment for understanding the current state of military leadership and its priorities.
Hegseth rails against 'beardos' and 'woke' in gathering of US generals
NeutralWorld Affairs
In a rare gathering, hundreds of high-ranking military leaders met with the Department of Defense secretary, where prominent figures like Hegseth voiced strong opinions against what they termed 'beardos' and 'woke' culture. This meeting highlights ongoing tensions within the military regarding cultural issues and leadership direction, making it a significant moment for understanding the current state of military leadership and its priorities.
Latest from World Affairs
Canada Post’s future needs emergency debate by MPs amid strike, NDP urges
NegativeWorld Affairs
The NDP is calling for an emergency debate in Parliament regarding Canada Post's future amidst an ongoing strike. Interim Leader Don Davies criticized the government's recent announcement, describing it as a disruptive move during crucial collective bargaining negotiations. This situation is significant as it highlights the tensions between labor rights and government actions, potentially impacting postal services and workers' livelihoods.
Arsenal v Olympiakos: Champions League – live
NeutralWorld Affairs
Tonight's Champions League match between Arsenal and Olympiakos is generating excitement among fans as they anticipate the league stage kick-off at 8pm BST. The match is not just about the game itself; it also brings back memories of past starlets like Charlie Patino and Krystian Bielik, who once dazzled but faced challenges in their careers. This match is a chance for Arsenal to showcase their current talent and potentially create new memories for their supporters.
Barcelona v PSG, Monaco v Manchester City and more: Champions League and Championship – live
NeutralWorld Affairs
The latest updates from the Champions League and Championship are here, featuring exciting matches like Barcelona versus PSG and Monaco against Manchester City. These games are crucial as teams vie for top positions and survival in their respective leagues, making every goal and point count. Fans can stay informed with live scores and updates, ensuring they don't miss any action.
Conservationist Dame Jane Goodall dies aged 91
NegativeWorld Affairs
The world mourns the loss of Dame Jane Goodall, a pioneering conservationist and expert on chimpanzees, who passed away at the age of 91. Her groundbreaking work not only transformed our understanding of primates but also inspired countless individuals to advocate for wildlife conservation. Goodall's legacy will continue to influence environmental efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet's biodiversity.
Jane Goodall, wildlife advocate and conservationist, dies at 91
NegativeWorld Affairs
Jane Goodall, the renowned wildlife advocate and conservationist, has passed away at the age of 91. Her groundbreaking work in the 1960s not only advanced our understanding of primate behavior but also paved the way for future generations of female scientists. Goodall's legacy is significant as it highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect our planet's biodiversity, making her loss deeply felt in the scientific community and beyond.
Anthony Gordon double fires Newcastle to easy win at Union Saint-Gilloise
PositiveWorld Affairs
Newcastle United secured a convincing victory against Union Saint-Gilloise, with Anthony Gordon scoring twice to lead the team to success. This win is significant as it boosts Newcastle's confidence after struggling with form and the departure of key player Alexander Isak. Manager Eddie Howe faced pressure but the team's performance showcased their resilience and potential, making this match a pivotal moment in their season.