Trump's Warning: "U.S. Can't Have a Woke Military

Former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Pete Hegseth express concerns about the impact of "woke" policies on the U.S. military, arguing that they prioritize ideological agendas over the practicalities of combat.

Former President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning about the dangers of "wokeness" in the U.S. military, declaring that the country "can't have a woke military" if it wants to win wars. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Pete Hegseth, Trump emphasized the need for a military focused on victory, not on promoting liberal social agendas.

"You need people that want to win," Trump said. "They want to win wars. That's what their purpose is. To win wars, not to be woke."

Hegseth, a former U.S. military officer, echoed Trump's concerns, arguing that the Pentagon's embrace of leftist ideology has undermined the military's effectiveness. He pointed to the recent case of his own orders being revoked to guard President Biden's inauguration due to his alleged status as a "white nationalist," based on a religious tattoo he wears.

"Everybody can look it up," Hegseth said. "I was seen as an extremist because of a tattoo I have, which is a Jerusalem cross. It was used as a premise to revoke my orders to guard the inauguration."

Hegseth believes that the woke agenda, which prioritizes issues of race, gender, and sexual orientation, has distracted the military from its primary mission of defending the nation. He argues that unity and cohesion, not diversity, are essential for a successful military force.

"Our diversity is not our strength," Hegseth said. "Our unity is our strength, and we need a commander-in-chief that understands that. Donald Trump certainly does."

Trump's comments come amid growing conservative scrutiny of woke policies in the U.S. armed forces. Critics argue that these policies, which include anti-racism training and the promotion of gender diversity, are alienating potential recruits and weakening the military's readiness.

The Pentagon has defended its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, arguing that they are necessary to create a more inclusive and effective military. However, critics contend that the pendulum has swung too far and that the military is now prioritizing social engineering over military preparedness.

The debate over wokeness in the military is likely to continue in the months and years to come. As the U.S. faces new challenges and threats around the world, the question of whether the military should focus on winning wars or promoting social agendas will remain a contentious issue.