**Hegseth Announces Shift Away from 'Politically Correct' Military Leadership** U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared an end to what he termed "woke" culture in the military during a meeting with top military officials on Tuesday at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. Hegseth criticized diversity initiatives and what he described as a culture of political correctness that he believes has weakened the armed forces. "Foolish and reckless political leaders set the wrong compass heading and we lost our way," Hegseth said, emphasizing a need for change. He stated that the military has been hampered by policies that prioritize race and gender over merit. Hegseth's address, which lasted nearly an hour, included a call for military leaders to resign if they disagreed with his new directives. He announced plans to implement "gender-neutral" or "male-level" standards for physical fitness tests and to review definitions of toxic leadership and bullying. "The era of politically correct, overly sensitive don't-hurt-anyone's-feelings leadership ends right now at every level," he said. Hegseth also indicated that he would loosen disciplinary rules and change how adverse information is retained in personnel records. He criticized the appearance of overweight military personnel, stating, "It's completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon." Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining strict fitness standards for all service members. President Donald Trump, who attended the meeting, expressed his support for Hegseth's approach. He stated that he would fire military leaders on the spot if he disagreed with them. Trump praised the military's capabilities, including the U.S. nuclear submarines and the establishment of the Space Force. The meeting, which gathered admirals and generals from various conflict zones, raised questions about its purpose due to its abrupt scheduling. Hegseth's comments reflect a broader agenda that intertwines military leadership with current cultural debates in the U.S. Hegseth's remarks come amid ongoing national security concerns and a potential government shutdown. His focus on military readiness and the so-called "warrior ethos" has led to significant changes within the Pentagon, including the dismissal of several high-ranking officers. As the military faces scrutiny over its leadership and policies, Hegseth's directives signal a shift towards a more traditional approach to military standards and discipline. The implications of these changes will likely be closely monitored by both military personnel and the public.