Story perspectives

White House Scrubs Misleading Video on Hegseth's Honors

9/8/2025

50 10

Summary

Story summary

The White House removed a video inaccurately stating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received the Bronze Star Medal for valor.
This video appeared after President Trump renamed the Department of Defense to “Department of War.”
Hegseth earned two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service, not valor, which involves heroic acts in combat.
Critics on social media condemned the video for misleading the public and disrespecting valor recipients.
Hegseth supported the name change, highlighting a shift towards a more aggressive military approach.

1 of 1

Story summary

The White House removed a video inaccurately stating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received the Bronze Star Medal for valor.
This video appeared after President Trump renamed the Department of Defense to “Department of War.”
Hegseth earned two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service, not valor, which involves heroic acts in combat.
Critics on social media condemned the video for misleading the public and disrespecting valor recipients.
Hegseth supported the name change, highlighting a shift towards a more aggressive military approach.