Americano Does Pete Hegseth know what he's doing?
Oct 9, 2025
Christopher Caldwell, a columnist and author known for his insights on American politics and culture, joins to dissect Pete Hegseth's controversial remarks on military standards. They delve into the cultural shifts in the military, questioning the decline in fitness and the removal of DEI initiatives. Caldwell contrasts America’s martial spirit with British attitudes towards veterans. The discussion also touches on the legacy of 'don't ask, don't tell' and how political leadership shaped contemporary military policies, highlighting the significant changes under the current administration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Standards Over Identity In The Military
- Pete Hegseth's speech frames the issue as restoring objective standards in the military rather than targeting groups.
- He argues fitness and competence determine roles, and if women can't meet some roles, that's acceptable under neutral standards.
Military Meritocracy Versus Social Engineering
- Caldwell says the military is uniquely unsuited to diversity quotas because its mission prioritizes lethal competence over social goals.
- He frames the argument by asking whether you'd want promotions based on anything other than battlefield competence for those leading your child.
Clinton's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Compromise
- Caldwell recounts Clinton's struggle with openly gay service and how it led to 'don't ask, don't tell' as a compromise.
- He describes the policy as a change disguised as no-change that tried to placate both sides.