American television host Jimmy Kimmel has publicly mocked US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over a recent speech. During his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel replayed portions of Hegseth's "State of the Force" address. In the speech, Hegseth declared there would be "no fatties, no beardos, no weirdos" in the military. Kimmel seized on the apparent contradiction when Hegseth later mentioned Elon Musk, Newt Gingrich, and billionaire Palmer Luckey in connection with Project Meridian.
Kimmel joked that Hegseth must have practiced his speech in the mirror but still managed to "screw it up." The comedian played footage of Hegseth mentioning Musk, Gingrich, and Luckey. He questioned how Hegseth could reconcile his "no weirdos" statement with the personalities he mentioned. Kimmel highlighted the contrast between Hegseth's declaration and the figures he later mentioned.
Palmer Luckey became the main target of Kimmel's jokes. Kimmel displayed a photograph of Luckey wearing a Hawaiian shirt, with a mullet and goatee. He quipped that Luckey looked like someone one might meet at a kayak rental shop. Luckey is the billionaire founder of defence technology company Anduril Industries. Hegseth had highlighted Luckey, along with Musk and Gingrich, during his remarks on Project Meridian.
Project Meridian is an initiative focused on the future of warfare. Hegseth used his speech to outline changes he wants within the US military. These changes include stricter standards and a reduction in the number of senior generals and admirals. Kimmel, however, focused on the contrast between Hegseth's "no weirdos" declaration and the personalities later mentioned.
Kimmel's jokes were not limited to Luckey's appearance. He also joked that Hegseth had put "Tommy Bahama" in charge of the military. Kimmel ended the segment by expressing his enjoyment of introducing what he described as a "new character" from the Trump administration. He directed one final jab at Luckey, making a comment about Luckey's potential spouse.
The late-night host's comments have garnered attention. Hegseth's speech and Kimmel's reaction have sparked a conversation about the US military and its leadership. The incident occurred on Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Kimmel's show was recently suspended after a different incident.
The US Defence Secretary's office has not publicly responded to Kimmel's comments. Hegseth's speech was part of a larger effort to reform the US military. The initiative aims to address the changing nature of modern warfare. The controversy surrounding Hegseth's speech and Kimmel's reaction is likely to continue.
Key points
- Jimmy Kimmel mocked US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over his "no weirdos" military speech.
- Kimmel cited the contradiction between Hegseth's statement and the figures he later mentioned.
- The incident has sparked a conversation about the US military and its leadership.
