Pete Hegseth Uses Transphobic Slur Again During Military Recruitment Tour at Texas A&M University

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used a transgender slur on September 19 while speaking at Texas A&M. His remarks were delivered during the opening stop of his SEND Me Military Recruitment Tour. While emphasizing military readiness, he repeated a derogatory phrase targeting transgender individuals. Hegseth stated, No more tea, just training, indicating a focus on combat preparedness. He argued that the military must remove identity politics, critical race theory, and DEI offices. This was not Hegseth's first use of the phrase, repeating it previously at the Iowa State Fair. Media columnist Jehan Jones criticized Hegseth's rhetoric, calling it a political smokescreen. Hegseth reinstated a ban on transgender individuals from serving in the military. LGBTQ plus advocacy groups condemned his remarks, arguing they contradict a merit-based military. Vermont's Democratic Rep. Becca Bailent called Hegseth's actions hypermasculine hypocrisy. Hegseth declared on social media, Trans is out at the DOD. This is the president's agenda.