As the United States government approaches a midnight shutdown, former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Pete Hegseth have called for significant changes to the U.S. military. In a series of statements and discussions, both figures argued that the military needs to be reshaped to focus more on readiness and effectiveness rather than on social and political issues. Their comments come at a time of uncertainty and growing concerns over the impending government shutdown, which could have wide-ranging impacts on federal services, including military operations.

The shutdown is expected to occur if Congress cannot agree on a new budget before the deadline, affecting federal agencies and programs, including those related to national defense. Both Trump and Hegseth have voiced concerns that the current state of the U.S. military, particularly under the Biden administration, is focused too much on issues like diversity and political correctness, rather than on preparing for potential threats and ensuring the military is ready for combat.

Trump, who has long been a strong advocate for a robust military, emphasized that the U.S. military needs to be more focused on combat readiness and strategic defense. In his remarks, he pointed to his time in office, when he prioritized strengthening the military with increased funding and modernizing defense equipment. Trump argued that the military should be led by generals and leaders who prioritize military efficiency and national security over political or social issues. He suggested that the U.S. needs to return to a military that is primarily focused on winning wars and maintaining a strong deterrent against adversaries, rather than on political correctness or social programs.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, echoed Trump’s sentiments, adding that the U.S. military’s focus has shifted too far from its core mission of defense. He argued that the military should not be used as a tool for social experimentation and that resources should be allocated to improving training, readiness, and combat skills. Hegseth’s comments were particularly pointed in criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of military priorities, suggesting that too much attention is given to internal matters, such as addressing systemic inequality within the military, rather than strengthening its global presence and capabilities.

The push from Trump and Hegseth comes at a critical time for the U.S. military, as Congress debates defense spending and the overall direction of the country’s national security policies. With the government facing the possibility of a shutdown, there are growing concerns about how the military will be affected. During a shutdown, military operations could be impacted, as certain programs and funding may be temporarily halted or delayed. The shutdown could also cause disruptions to pay for military personnel and civilian defense workers, which would add further stress to an already strained system.

Both Trump and Hegseth have called for a more focused approach to military spending, one that prioritizes readiness and combat preparedness. They argue that the U.S. must not lose sight of its role as a global superpower and that its military should remain strong, efficient, and capable of responding to threats quickly and effectively.

In conclusion, as the U.S. government faces the looming threat of a midnight shutdown, the debate over the future direction of the military is intensifying. Trump and Hegseth’s calls for reshaping the military to focus on national security and combat readiness reflect concerns over the current administration’s priorities. While the government shutdown could create uncertainty for the military, these discussions highlight the ongoing debate about the role of the military in modern American society and the need to ensure that defense resources are used effectively to protect the nation’s interests.