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Pentagon’s New Makeup Studio Sparks Controversy Amid Cost-Cutting Measures

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders the creation of a makeup studio at the Pentagon for televised appearances, raising eyebrows over timing and funding.


Overview

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the retrofit of a room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing area into a makeup studio for senior officials. The project, costing several thousand dollars, has drawn scrutiny as the administration expresses a need for budget cuts. The upgrades, endorsed by former colleagues from Fox News, include a lighting-equipped mirror and a director's chair. Hegseth has not formally briefed the press but has used the room for televised interviews, including defending his actions related to information sharing in military operations. The changes are framed as routine updates in the department.

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Analysis

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The addition of a makeup studio in the Pentagon reflects a troubling distraction from pressing issues, emphasizing visual presentation over substantive military leadership.

Hegseth's insistence on appearances over accountability, amidst his controversial history and ongoing scandals, showcases the troubling priorities of the current administration.

Critics argue that this focus on aesthetics signals a deeper issue within the Trump administration's approach to governance; that style is favored over genuine policy and military efficacy.

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The Pentagon Is Getting a New Glam Room
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Hegseth orders makeup studio installed at Pentagon
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