Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism over fitness videos and chaplain corps reforms

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's posted workout videos have been sharply criticized by military fitness experts, who say his push‑ups, pull‑ups and kettlebell techniques fail to meet branch‑specific standards. Reviewers noted incomplete range of motion, the use of kipping—a method forbidden by Marine Corps guidelines—and unsafe kettlebell handling.

Separately, active‑duty U.S. military chaplains have expressed concern that Hegseth's overhaul of the Chaplain Corps is driven by a narrow evangelical view. Changes include reducing chaplains' ranks, limiting recognized faith groups, and discarding "Spiritual Fitness" guides deemed too secular. Chaplains fear retaliation if their beliefs do not align with Hegseth’s ideology, raising constitutional and religious‑freedom questions.