When images from the event circulated globally, Hegseth's aides complained internally about how the defense secretary looked in the photographs, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday, Two people familiar with the decision spoke anonymously to the newspaper out of fear of retaliation, and said some staffers found the pictures unflattering.
I stand before you today with one unmistakable message about Operation Epic Fury. America is winning decisively, devastatingly, and without mercy.
The MAGA crew does relatively little reporting, so most coverage of the US military is now happening from outside the Pentagon's five walls. Journalists from some traditional outlets were allowed to attend this morning's press conference with Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine. But Hegseth only answered Q's from his chosen outlets.