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Kara Swisher: Pete Hegseth is a "Ridiculous Performative Clown"

October 03, 2025 / 00:52

This episode discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegath's controversial remarks about military personnel's fitness during a meeting in Virginia. Key topics include military standards, individualism, and Hegath's personal style.

Hegath criticized the appearance of overweight troops and military leaders, stating it reflects poorly on the military's image. His comments shocked senior officials present at the meeting.

The episode highlights reactions from military personnel, with some feeling embarrassed by Hegath's comments and demeanor. The discussion also touches on Hegath's personal style, described as flamboyant and performative.

TLDR

Defense Secretary Pete Hegath criticizes military fitness standards, sparking embarrassment among senior officials.

Episode

0:52

00:00:00

Defense Secretary Pete Hegath held nothing back while addressing senior military officials in Virginia this

00:00:04

week. It's tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops. Likewise, it's

00:00:12

completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon and leading commands around

00:00:17

the country and the world. It's a bad look. It is bad and it's not who we are. Wow, that was a real disaster. I have to

00:00:23

say the generals were looked horrified by the entire thing. The other part is him talking to them about being

00:00:28

individualistic. This guy, there's not more of a fop in that cabinet than this guy. He's got funny socks. He's got

00:00:35

weird things on the inside of his jackets. He's got tattoos. He's such a ridiculous performative clown. I thought

00:00:41

it was hugely embarrassing um for for everybody, especially the military, which had to sit there and and put up

00:00:48

with it. [Music]

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Episode Highlights

Hegath's Controversial Address
Defense Secretary Pete Hegath criticizes military officials for their appearance, sparking shock.
“It's a bad look. It is bad and it's not who we are.”
@ 00m 19s
October 03, 2025

Episode Quotes

It's a bad look. It is bad and it's not who we are.
Kara Swisher: Pete Hegseth is a "Ridiculous Performative Clown"
He's such a ridiculous performative clown.
Kara Swisher: Pete Hegseth is a "Ridiculous Performative Clown"

Key Moments

Military Officials' Shock00:21
Embarrassing Performance00:41