Leaning into culture war flashpoints, Hegseth announces new Pentagon initiatives

NPR | By Quil Lawrence,

Michel Martin

Published October 1, 2026 at 2:41 AM MDT

In an address to troops, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaned hard into culture war flashpoints, while touting new military initiatives.

Tags

Quil Lawrence

Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering national security and veterans' issues nationwide.

Michel Martin

Michel Martin is a host of Morning Edition.

Make a monthly donation

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month

Make a one-time donation

Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR

Pay pledge or update info

Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information