US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth uses anti-trans slur in Iowa speech
Pete Hegseth. (Getty)
Pete Hegseth. (Image: Getty)
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly used an anti-trans slur while speaking at the Iowa State Fair on Monday (17 August), during an appearance alongside Republican congressman Zach Nunn.
Hegseth and Nunn appeared at JR’s Southpork Ranch for ‘Operation Top Nunn: Salute to the Troops’, an annual fundraiser and veterans event. During his speech, Hegseth referred to the Pentagon as the “Department of War” and said, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch: “At the Department of War, we do training, not t*******.”
He also set out what he said were his priorities for the department, adding: “Training, lethality, accountability, discipline, readiness – the bedrock of what it means to be an American warrior – is the only focus of our department. Colourblind, gender-neutral, merit-based. That’s it.”
‘Department of War’ messaging
Hegseth’s comments referenced the Trump administration’s authorised use of “Department of War” as a name for the Pentagon.
The remarks at the Iowa State Fair also included criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, with Hegseth framing “colourblind” and “gender-neutral” approaches as central to his agenda.
Hegseth’s appearance at the Iowa State Fair had originally been due to take place in March, but was postponed after two Iowa soldiers – Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sgt Declan J Coady – were killed in an Iranian strike on a facility in Kuwait on 1 March.
Former Fox News host Hegseth has built a public profile around military issues and conservative culture-war politics, drawing attention for controversial actions including firing a US navy trans healthcare specialist after a “tip-off” from a social media account.
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