Fact Check: Was Pete Hegseth named 'CEO of War' after saying 'secretary is a lady job'?

WASHINGTON, DC: A viral rumor recently circulated online claiming that the Department of War said its Secretary, Pete Hegseth, would go by the title of "CEO of War".

The rumor alleged Hegseth pitched a "'full-blown tantrum' during a cabinet meeting" and shouted, "Secretary is a lady job!"

Claim: Pete Hegseth named 'CEO of War' after saying 'secretary is a lady job'

In late October, political analyst and commentator Bill Kristol posted the rumor on X.

"The Pentagon announced today that former Secretary of Defense/former Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will now hold the title CEO of War, following what officials described as a 'full-blown tantrum' during a cabinet meeting. 'Secretary is a lady job!…'" Kristol wrote.

Interestingly, the same rumor appeared on Facebook as well.

False: No credible evidence to back the claim

The claims made in the online rumor are false, as searches on search engines revealed there was no evidence that Hegseth's title had changed after President Donald Trump renamed the Department of Defense to "Department of War".

Moreover, the only reference to the rumor was an October 29 story by the Duffel Blog - a website that describes its output as being humorous or satirical in nature. 

The website's About page reads, "Duffel Blog is the first and only satire news outlet devoted to the US military and national security community. At a time of increasing global conflict and crisis, our team of military veteran writers provides much-needed levity on serious topics and help to remind everyone — especially those in the trenches — that a lighthearted jab or a well-placed joke can go a long way."

Furthermore, no credible news outlets covered any such news on Pete Hegseth changing the title. If the rumor was true, several news outlet would have covered it.

Pete Hegseth says no room for 'fat generals and admirals'

On September 30, Pete Hegseth gathered the military’s top leaders in Quantico, Virginia, to unveil a sweeping 10-point plan.

He aimed to restore strict physical standards and return to a culture he called merit-based. President Donald Trump followed his remarks and promised historic investment to build a stronger and tougher military.

During a speech, Hegseth told the senior-most officers that every service member must meet physical requirements twice a year.

He said it was "completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon leading commands around the country and the world."

"Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation and see fat troops," the Defence Secretary said.

He added, "Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon leading commands around the country and the world. It’s a bad look. It is bad, and it’s not who we are."