What to Know
People are calling Pete Hegseth’s recent social media post embarrassing, which is really nothing new for the Trump administration. But this post in particular has left people critiquing his apparent makeup routine and questioning what he actually does in his role other than post on social media. On February 19, the “Secretary of War” took to X to share a video that showed him bench pressing 315 pounds in his weight room. Most people were not impressed and immediately had questions, like why did he appear to be wearing makeup in the video, and why is he spending his time on this?
Critics told Hegseth that nobody actually cares about his gym routine.
It’s not the first time that Hegseth has shared content that no one asked for, and this time, people wanted to make it very clear that they’re not interested in this type of content. “Do your f—ing job no body cares that you’re working out,” one critic commented. And someone else said, “These videos are embarrassing. I want a sec of defense for his brain power not how much he can lift.”
As several critics pointed out, surely Hegseth has other things to do. He received lots of comments from people who called the video “cringe” and questioned why he appears to have so much free time. Another person wrote, “Maybe try to not completely suck at your job instead.”
He’s not the only Trump administration official who has shared workout videos, though. And because of that, people are really starting to wonder what’s going on. “Is that ALL they do in the Trump administration?” someone questioned. Another person wanted to know, “Does he have an actual job besides filming this weird propaganda?”
.@SECWAR CHECKING IN— https://t.co/giqv7wn110 pic.twitter.com/PgikBxSRfi
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) February 19, 2026
Then, people also had questions about his makeup routine.
People have been talking about Hegseth’s makeup for some time now. In 2025, reports alleged that he requested a makeup studio in the Pentagon. Hegseth denied these claims, writing, “Totally fake story. No ‘orders’ and no ‘makeup.'”
But when he posted the recent gym video, some critics were convinced that he was wearing makeup while working out. And is that really the place for it? “Looks like he’s wearing makeup… pathetic,” one person wrote, per RadarOnline. And another said, “Makeup looks great, sir.”
One of Hegseth’s Trump administration colleagues, Vice President JD Vance, has also been questioned about his apparent makeup routine because many people think he appears to be wearing eyeliner.
