Senator Duckworth Condemns Hegseth's Move to Tighten Combat Standards Threatening Female Military Roles

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, supported by President Trump, has called for the U.S. military to revert to the "highest male standard" for physical fitness in combat roles, a move that critics say could disproportionately exclude women from these positions despite their proven capabilities and service. Hegseth's proposed policy changes emphasize a return to a traditional "warrior" ethos, with stricter fitness, grooming, and disciplinary standards, which some warn risks reversing decades of progress for women in the military. Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army veteran and double amputee, has strongly condemned Hegseth's stance, labeling him the "least qualified secretary of defense" and accusing him of attempting to push women out of the military. Duckworth and other critics highlight that many women have met or exceeded combat standards through elite training programs like Ranger School and SEAL tryouts, and stress that military effectiveness depends on fairness and recognizing merit rather than enforcing gender-based standards. Hegseth's controversial remarks, including disparaging comments about physical fitness among military leaders, have sparked bipartisan criticism and raised concerns about the future inclusivity and operational readiness of the armed forces.