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Pentagon Ponderings: Defense Secretary Hegseth Reportedly Adds Botox to Routine Amidst Military Shake-Ups
While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been making waves with his aggressive campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military, sources close to the Pentagon suggest he’s also been fighting a more personal battle: the war on wrinkles.
Reports indicate that Hegseth, 45, underwent a round of cosmetic injections last month, with observers noting smoother skin and fewer lines. An insider, speaking to an outlet, described the move as “an ego play for Pete,” adding that his “ego is off the charts” lately. “He’s obsessed with his body, and now he wants to create the entire military in his image,” the source claimed.
The cosmetic claims arrive as Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by controversy and dramatic pronouncements. Last month, he summoned top brass to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, where he delivered what some described as a “bizarre spiel” on military fitness standards and future direction.
During the meeting, Hegseth reportedly declared, “No more DEI, dudes in dresses, or gender delusion…prepare for war.” He also told attendees that American enemies would “FAFO” – an acronym for “F— around and find out” – if they challenged the U.S. He emphasized a singular mission for the “newly restored Department of War”: “war fighting, preparing for war, and preparing to win.”
Hegseth reportedly expressed his weariness of “fat troops,” advocating for harsher physical standards while simultaneously indicating plans to loosen disciplinary rules and weaken protections against hazing. “Now that he’s Secretary of War, his sense of self-importance has gone to his head – along with his vanity,” another insider noted.
It’s worth mentioning that while President Donald Trump signed an executive order reauthorizing the titles “Department of War” and “Secretary of War,” the legal change of the department’s name requires an act of Congress.
Sources also painted a picture of a Secretary struggling to garner respect. “Even though he strutted about the stage like a peacock when he gave his insulting lecture to the military brass, he still doesn’t garner respect,” an insider commented, suggesting Hegseth was “upstaged by Trump” even during a “minor speech to important people.”
Hegseth’s period at the Pentagon has also seen controversial firings, including that of Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison last week. Adding to the reported tensions, sources claim the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has left Hegseth “rattled” and concerned for his personal safety.
“There’s a manic quality about him. Or let me rephrase, an even more manic quality, which is really saying something,” a source observed, describing Hegseth as visibly distracted and on edge following Kirk’s death.
The Secretary’s reported fixation on appearances extends beyond personal cosmetic procedures, with sources mentioning a makeup studio installed inside the Pentagon and Hegseth frequently staging photo opportunities lifting weights with troops. “With everything that’s happening in the world, he’s choosing to focus on razor bumps.
Seriously?” an insider questioned.