U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized senior military leadership at a high-profile event at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2025.

Hegseth labeled some top officers “fat generals” and denounced diversity and inclusion programs, blaming such initiatives for decades of military decline.

The big picture: Hegseth lamented what he called the “Woke Department,” blaming “foolish and reckless political leaders” for setting the wrong course, saying, “We became the ‘Woke Department.’ But not anymore.” • Addressing commanders called from around the world without prior explanation, Hegseth defended his controversial dismissal of several high-ranking officers, including the top general and the Navy’s top admiral. • He characterized these removed leaders as p

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