A YouGov poll reported by The Independent found that 28% of Americans viewed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a strong male role model, while 39% did not.
Among adults ages 18 to 29, 18% viewed Hegseth as a strong role model and 34% did not. The poll was commissioned for The Bulwark and Pablo Torre Finds Out.
President Donald Trump had 37% strong ratings and 55% who did not view him as a strong male role model. Former President Barack Obama was among the strongest, at 59% strong and 31% not strong.
The Independent also reported that Hegseth argued against women serving in combat roles during a November 2024 appearance on Shawn Ryan’s podcast. At a late-September address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Hegseth praised the removal of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and told service members, “No wimps.”
In July, Hegseth directed male service members ages 30 and older to receive annual screenings for testosterone deficiency.
