Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently ordered modifications to a room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing room, transforming it into a makeup studio intended for use in television appearances. This project, which sources indicated cost several thousand dollars, comes at a time when the administration is actively seeking cost-cutting measures. A Defense Department spokesperson stated that "Changes and upgrades to the Pentagon Briefing Room are nothing new and routinely happen during changes in an administration."
The initial renovation plan was reportedly estimated to exceed $40,000, but these ideas were subsequently scaled back. Following the publication of a report by CBS News detailing these modifications, Defense Secretary Hegseth responded on X, stating, "Totally fake story. No 'orders' and no 'makeup.'"
Background on Pete Hegseth
Before assuming the role of Defense Secretary, Hegseth was a co-host on the Fox News morning show "Fox & Friends Weekend." Since his nomination, he has committed to prioritizing improvements in the armed forces' warfighting capabilities and overall military readiness.
Details of the Renovation
An in-house construction crew undertook the renovation of the adjacent green room earlier this year. According to sources, the existing table was removed, and a new chair and a large mirror equipped with makeup lighting were installed. A defense official clarified that Hegseth performs his own makeup for TV appearances, rather than employing a makeup artist. The suggestion to enhance the space reportedly originated from Tami Radabaugh, the deputy assistant to the secretary for strategic engagement and a former producer for both Fox News and CBS News.
The new items, including a director's chair, were sourced from existing inventories, according to the Defense Department spokesperson. A new countertop was constructed by the internal facilities services staff. The spokesperson emphasized a conservative approach to the upgrade, opting for "several less expensive, on-hand materiel solutions."
Hegseth's Use of the Space and Related Controversies
While Hegseth has not used the press room for official briefings, it has served as a backdrop for his television appearances. Notably, he recently appeared on Fox News, where he attributed the revelation of him sharing sensitive details about military strikes in a Signal group chat to the media and former Defense Department employees. He did not dispute reports that he shared real-time operational information with family members prior to strikes in Yemen, nor did he explain why his wife, who is not a Defense Department employee, was included in the text chat. This was the second Signal group through which Hegseth shared planning details for Houthi airstrikes that occurred in mid-March.
The first Signal chat, a principals group involving top national security officials, was established by national security adviser Michael Waltz. Its existence was revealed by Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who was inadvertently added to the group by Waltz. Hegseth asserts that he did not disclose classified information in either chat group. The Defense Department's acting inspector general is currently reviewing his disclosures.
"We're focused on recruiting, on rooting out DEI, on securing our southwest border, on the president's agenda, and it's going very well at the Pentagon, and I'm proud of it," Hegseth stated on Fox on Tuesday.
The Pentagon had previously restricted access to its briefing room on February 21, barring reporters unless officials were present. Critics suggested that the creation of a makeup studio was a strategy to enhance the appearance of high-ranking officials for on-camera appearances, despite administration efforts to implement cost-cutting measures. The modifications reportedly included additional lighting, mirrors, and a director’s chair.
Hegseth vehemently denied the CBS News report on social media, calling it a "totally fake story" and stating, "No 'orders' and no 'makeup'-but whatever." He also made a controversial remark about installing "tampon machines in every men’s bathroom at DoD" as a sarcastic response to what he perceived as biased media coverage.
Connections to Fox News and Media Appearances
Hegseth's prior role as a co-anchor on "Fox & Friends Weekend" has been highlighted, with some suggesting that the Pentagon has become a platform for his former media outlet. His frequent appearances on Fox News, including recent interviews discussing the Signal group chat controversy, have been noted.
Initial estimates for the green room's refurbishment were reportedly in the "$10-15k range," but the final cost was significantly reduced. An official described the final expenditure as "marginal-a few hundred dollars to cut, stain, and install a wooden countertop in the room," emphasizing the use of "recycled furniture modifications" and items from existing inventories. The spokesperson reiterated that "no ‘makeup’ was included in the upgrade, nor did anyone say it was."
Broader Context of Personnel Changes and Cultural Issues
The controversy surrounding the makeup studio emerged amidst other personnel changes and cultural debates within the Pentagon. Hegseth reportedly fired three staffers, whom he accused of being behind media leaks related to his sharing of operational details. Former interim top Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot and Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, also departed the department.
Hegseth has made "culture war" issues a central theme of his tenure, advocating for the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and emphasizing recruitment and promotion based on performance. These efforts have faced some criticism due to vagueness in their implementation.
Critics have contrasted the expenditure on the makeup studio with funding cuts to programs addressing issues such as infertility, HIV, and cancer. The optics of a defense secretary receiving a "vanity" while other agencies face budget reductions have been questioned.
During the controversy, Hegseth continued to defend himself, reiterating his denial of ordering a makeup studio or makeup. The Pentagon's Rapid Response X account also posted multiple times on social media, refuting claims about the lighted mirror and the cost of the upgrades, labeling the room as a "GREEN ROOM (not a makeup studio)."
Democrats have voiced criticism, with Representative Ted Lieu stating, "Nothing screams warrior culture more than a makeup studio. Hegseth was derelict in his duties by repeatedly using his personal phone to disclose ongoing combat operations and is now wasting taxpayer dollars. How does a makeup studio at Pentagon help troops?"
Hegseth has not held a formal press briefing but has frequently appeared on Fox News to address the Signal group chat saga. He also conducted an interview with the Washington Examiner.
Hegseth faces backlash over Pentagon makeup studio claims
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, allies of Hegseth, including former President Trump and Senator JD Vance, have publicly supported him.