US Defense

Task: Lie Detectors to Reveal Media Leaks

The Pentagon plans to conduct random lie detector tests and force up to 5,000 employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, sources told the Washington Post.

According to the information, it is part of the White House's ambitions to prevent leaks to the media. A document seen by the newspaper states that employees are prohibited from releasing "non-public information" without approval.

The document refers to national security, but attorney Mark Zaid, who has represented whistleblowers, believes the reason is different.

- It seems more focused on ensuring loyalty.

Hegseth spoke about women and fat soldiers: "Decades of decline"

Pete Hegseth's speech to the top echelons of the US military was about fat soldiers, women in the army and DEI policy (diversity, equality and inclusion). The Secretary of Defense said, among other things, that he is tired of seeing fat soldiers, generals and admirals in the army.

- It doesn't look good.

When Hegseth spoke about women in the military, he emphasized that the Defense Department's new strategy is not about stopping women from serving their country. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of strength and good physique.

- If a woman can do it, great. If not, then so be it.

He also promised that no one in the US military will henceforth be promoted because of skin color or gender quotas. The Defense Department has become the "woke department," he says.

– I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We’re done with this shit.

Hegseth promised to “fix decades of decay” as defense secretary.

Analysis: Hegseth reportedly had the audience boiling

Some of the American commanders who gathered to listen to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly boiled with anger inside, writes Greg Jaffe in an analysis in the New York Times.

Jaffe writes that Hegseth implied that the commanders had failed to maintain basic physical requirements, and that this had contributed to military failures abroad. He believes that the speech is in line with what Hegseth illustrated during his first months in office.

“During which he focused less on meetings with foreign colleagues around the world and more on doing pullups and early runs with soldiers.”

DN's Karl Dalén notes that Hegseth proclaimed that diversity and equality issues are over and that military personnel must achieve a certain physical standard. He also said that anyone who refuses to shave should find a new job, which Dalén interprets as Hegseth valuing television-likeness – just like President Trump.

“It probably made a few generals squirm in their seats.”