US Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Criticism Over Military’s 'Highest Male Standard' Fitness Policy

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has faced significant backlash after announcing a policy requiring all military combat roles to meet the "highest male standard" of physical fitness, which critics argue could exclude many women from frontline roles. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling publicly condemned Hegseth's comments that disparaged the military's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, defending the professionalism and qualifications of service members regardless of such policies. Podcaster Joe Rogan supported Hegseth's stance against what he called "woke garbage" in the military, highlighting concerns about inclusiveness overshadowing military readiness. CNN commentators criticized Hegseth's fitness standard changes as potentially sexist and harmful to women in the military, while highlighting that previous administrations had lowered standards to accommodate diversity goals. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran, strongly opposed Hegseth's policy, calling it "deeply degrading" and urging his resignation, with state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit echoing that the policy undermines merit and readiness and devalues women service members. Hegseth also criticized the presence of "fat generals" and emphasized frequent fitness testing, asserting military effectiveness depends on maintaining rigorous physical standards.