Hegseth: ‘Gun-Free Zones on Bases End Today’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a sweeping change to U.S. military policy, declaring that gun-free zones on American military bases will end immediately. In a newly signed directive, Hegseth said service members will now be allowed to request permission to carry privately owned firearms on installations for personal protection, arguing that bases had become vulnerable targets under previous restrictions. The policy change instructs installation commanders to treat such requests with a presumption of approval, requiring written justification for any denial. Hegseth framed the move as restoring Second Amendment protections to troops, saying highly trained service members should not be left defenseless where they live and work. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns as the ongoing conflict with Iran has placed U.S. forces and installations on alert worldwide. In this video we cover: • Hegseth’s announcement ending gun-free zones on bases • What the new directive means for service members • The Second Amendment argument behind the policy shift • How rising global tensions are shaping Pentagon security decisions Watch the full coverage for the latest updates on U.S. defense policy, military security, and developments from Washington.