Additional Coverage:
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced criticism after new footage showed him struggling during a workout session with U.S. Marines in San Diego.
Dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, Hegseth was seen running and bear-crawling, visibly gasping for breath and falling behind the troops. At one point, a female service member notably outran him on the track.
In another clip, Hegseth appeared to back out of a pull-up challenge, opting instead to high-five passing Marines. Moments earlier, he was seen leaning heavily on the pull-up bar, seemingly exhausted. His lighthearted interaction with the troops drew some laughter, but the videos sparked widespread social media backlash.
Critics were quick to comment, with one user sarcastically labeling the effort “low T if I’ve ever seen it.” Others mocked the defense secretary, with remarks calling him a “clown” and poking fun at the contrast between his physical performance and the Marines around him.
This comes amid Hegseth’s ongoing efforts to address physical fitness in the military, including a controversial initiative to screen older male service members for testosterone deficiency. Introduced earlier this year, the program targets men over 30 to ensure they have optimal testosterone levels, which Hegseth claims is essential for maintaining “lethality” in the ranks. The plan has faced legal challenges, including pushback from a federal judge.
Additionally, some observers linked Hegseth’s apparent physical struggles during the workout to rumored issues with heavy drinking. Comments on social media included jabs about his coordination and stamina, with one user quipping that he looked like someone trying to crawl home late at night.
The Secretary of War’s fitness struggles and public remarks have only intensified scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of military readiness. Last September, Hegseth sparked controversy himself by describing “fat troops” as “tiring to look at” during a speech to military commanders, highlighting his focus on physical standards within the armed forces.
As the debate continues, the videos of Hegseth’s workout have become a focal point for critics questioning both his leadership and the administration’s approach to military fitness.