MS NOW pundit Alex Wagner criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday, calling his recent announcements regarding U.S. troops and military flyovers "embarrassing" and "humiliating" for the nation. Wagner suggested these initiatives serve as distractions from more significant issues, including a deadly airstrike in Iran and potential war crimes.
Hegseth announced in a social media video that U.S. service members older than 30 would begin screening for "testosterone deficiency" to ensure they are operating at their "absolute best." He also stated that military flyovers would continue "until morale improves," referencing a low-altitude Navy flyover that occurred on Wednesday.
Wagner expressed her view on "The Moment with Katy Tur," stating that while the testosterone screening might help some, she questioned the underlying issues it aimed to address. She contrasted these announcements with more pressing concerns, such as the U.S. military's involvement in a conflict with Iran and an airstrike in February that killed up to 175 people, many of them young girls.
"What might help with morale, Katie? Not getting the U.S. military involved in a disastrous war which we’re losing to Iran that has spiraled the global energy markets," Wagner said. "You know what would help morale? Not having the U.S. bomb a girls’ school in Iran."
This airstrike, which occurred in February, has faced scrutiny. CNN reported that while an investigation into the incident was completed, military leaders have delayed a standard intelligence review, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has previously characterized the U.S. armed services as a "warrior" class that has been diminished. He has also overseen numerous lethal airstrikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since September. Despite bipartisan criticism regarding potential war crimes associated with these strikes, Hegseth has publicly supported them.
"I mean, what he has done not just to America’s reputation, but to its armed services, how he has be-clowned us on the global stage and committed war crimes in our name, and this is what they say is going to ratchet up morale among the troops?" Wagner questioned. "I mean, he has humiliated us. He is humiliating our armed services. He has tarnished our reputation."