The Brian Lehrer Show How Veterans Feel About Pete Hegseth
Nov 11, 2025
Paul Rieckhoff, a veteran and founder of Independent Veterans of America, shares his insights on how veterans perceive changes being made by Pete Hegseth. He critiques Hegseth’s push for a Department of War, asserting that it risks undermining core values of restraint and diplomacy. Rieckhoff highlights concerns about Hegseth’s impact on military diversity, emphasizing how his macho rhetoric may deter women and marginalized groups from service. He also warns of potential dangers in VA privatization and advocates for enhanced veterans' services in New York City.
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Name Change Signals Political Shift
- Paul Rieckhoff says renaming the Defense Department to the Department of War is unnecessary and predictable politicization.
- He warns Pete Hegseth leads a culture-war agenda that undermines traditional, nonpartisan Pentagon norms.
Family Service Highlights Submarine Challenges
- A caller described his three children serving in the Army and Navy, highlighting rigorous submarine training for women.
- He worries Hegseth's macho posture could encourage harassment and discourage women from joining.
Tone Affects Who Joins The Military
- Rieckhoff argues Hegseth's tone and policies are making the military less welcoming to women and minorities.
- He says that will reshape recruitment demographics toward a narrower, ideologically aligned pool over time.