"The View" co-hosts took issue with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth talking to military officers on Tuesday about increasing fitness standards, accusing him of "fat-shaming" U.S. troops.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed hundreds of top commanders from around the world.

After listing the proposed changes, Hegseth gave the assembled officers a warning: “If the words I’m speaking today are making your hearts sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign.” If the commanders wanted to better understand what he was saying, he jokingly told them, they could pick up a copy of his book.

"Outrageous! Pete Hegseth's fiery speech at military meeting sparks viral mockery. Find out why viewers can't stop talking about his

Former defense secretary Leon Panetta criticized Pete Hegseth's speech to military brass on Tuesday while questioning his ability to lead.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a rare and powerful meeting with nearly 800 top US military leaders at Quantico on September 30, 2025. Secretary Hegseth announced sweeping changes to restore what he called the “warrior ethos.

ABC News obtained memos filed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that showed he is reviewing military policies on hazing and harrasment.