Defense Secretary Hegseth bench press video mocked

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has become the subject of widespread online mockery after a video of him performing a bench press workout with troops at Guantanamo Bay went viral, with critics highlighting his form as contradictory to his own emphasis on strict military fitness standards. The video, posted by the Pentagon's Rapid Response social media account on Thursday, June 11, showed Hegseth rapidly performing 44 repetitions on a bench press following a morning run with service members.

The official post celebrated the display, stating the secretary had "crushed" the reps. However, the clip quickly drew scrutiny across social media platforms like X and Threads, where users and fitness experts dissected his technique. Many commentators argued the repetitions were not full, with some labeling them "quarter reps" and questioning whether they met standard definitions of a proper bench press. One military fitness trainer was quoted saying, "Only thing he crushed is quarter reps. 44 divided by 4 equals maybe 11 good reps."

The criticism gained traction due to Hegseth's public identity, which has heavily emphasized physical toughness and military readiness. Since his appointment, he...