In a display of forthrightness rarely seen in the hallowed halls of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a compelling rebuttal during a press briefing on Thursday. His remarks centered on the media’s disparaging portrayal of U.S. military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. One reporter, in a quest for political correctness, found herself on the receiving end of Hegseth’s unfiltered candor.
As highlighted by , President Trump made headlines on Saturday by announcing U.S. airstrikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran. This operation included a tactical maneuver involving decoy bombers that misled Iranian defenses into believing they were operating far from the target area, with the decoys taking a pit stop in Hawaii for refueling.
Among the weekend’s discussions, some journalists, particularly left-leaning Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, took issue with Hegseth’s choice of words when he referred to “our boys on those bombers.” This phrasing led to a rather theatrical critique from Griffin, who noted that at least one female pilot had participated in the mission.
In a tweet, Griffin expressed her concern: “Defense Secretary Hegseth: ‘We were able to destroy nuclear capabilities. And OUR BOYS in those bombers are on their way home right now.’” She then questioned why he failed to acknowledge the contributions of female pilots. “The early messages that you sent out only congratulated the boys,” she lamented.
Hegseth, unfazed by the scrutiny, responded with a blend of humor and seriousness, addressing the reporter’s grievances. “When I say something like ‘our boys in bombers,’ this is the kind of thing the press does, right?” he remarked. “Of course, the chairman mentioned a female bomber pilot. That’s fantastic. She’s fantastic. She’s a hero.”
He continued, expressing his desire for an increase in female pilots in the Air Force: “I want more female bomber pilots. I hope the men and women of our country sign up to do such brave and audacious things.” However, he firmly rejected the notion that his language needed to be adjusted for inclusivity’s sake, stating, “I don’t care if it’s a male or a female in that cockpit, and the American people don’t care. But it’s the obsession with race and gender in this department that’s changed priorities.”
In a concluding note, Hegseth asserted, “We don’t do that anymore. We don’t play your little games.” A sentiment that resonates with many who are weary of political correctness overshadowing substantive discussions.
Amen to that.
WATCH:
LMAO! Pete Hegseth almost falls over LAUGHING at a reporter who took issue with him saying “our boys” in reference to the B-2 pilots (instead of being ‘inclusive’)
“Why didn’t you acknowledge the female pilots that also participated in this mission. The early messages that… pic.twitter.com/SWrTQ9aNG2
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 26, 2025
