Hegseth backtracks on criticism of gays in the military

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s embattled pick for Defense secretary, is shifting his stance on LGBTQ+ service members.

The former Fox Host has previously labeled policies allowing gay and transgender troops a “Marxist agenda.” But when asked by reporters on Thursday after a meeting with Sen. Rand PaulRand Paul (R-Ky.) whether he supports gays serving in the military, he said, “Yes.”

The apparent pivot comes after meetings with more moderate Republican senators, including Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

And it follows a CNN report Thursday highlighting comments Hegseth made in his 2024 book, The War on Warriors, and in recent media appearances. He has called the original “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and its 2011 repeal a “gateway” and “camouflage” for broader cultural shifts that he argues have weakened military cohesion and effectiveness.

Asked about the report, Hegseth replied, “I don’t feel the need to respond to CNN.”