Pete Hegseth Announces Controversial Military Wife Draft Amid Nepotism Criticism

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States has reinstated a military wife draft, ordering thousands of young women to report for basic training that focuses on marital duties for service members. He cited historically low voluntary enlistment among women and referenced a similar program used during the Vietnam era. The draft reportedly requires a seven‑week course before women are assigned to soldiers for domestic support roles.

In a separate development, Hegseth posted a supportive message after his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, was named chair of the newly created Presidential Military Spouse Commission, an office established by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The appointment sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with users accusing the couple of nepotism and questioning Jennifer Hegseth’s qualifications to lead the commission.

Both announcements have drawn public attention and debate over the role of military spouses in policy and the propriety of the appointments.