Pentagon Makeup Room Sparks Controversy and Mockery
Defense Secretary Hegseth orders a Pentagon makeup studio, costing thousands, drawing criticism and Jimmy Kimmel’s satire amid budget cuts.
The Pentagon, a symbol of military might, has found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy: a newly installed makeup studio. Ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the project has raised eyebrows for its cost and timing, especially as the Trump administration pushes for federal budget cuts. The story, first reported by CBS News, has sparked debate and even caught the attention of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who didn’t hold back in his mockery.
A Glam Room for the Pentagon?
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, reportedly directed the transformation of a green room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing room into a makeup studio. The space, previously equipped with basic furnishings like a table, chairs, and a small mirror, now boasts a director’s chair, a large mirror with professional lighting, and a custom countertop. Sources estimate the renovation cost several thousand dollars, though initial plans projected a price tag exceeding $40,000 before being scaled back.
The Pentagon defends the upgrade, stating that such modifications are routine during administrative transitions. A spokesperson emphasized that the room, intended for senior leaders and VIPs, used existing inventory to keep costs low. However, critics argue the expenditure contradicts the administration’s cost-cutting rhetoric, especially as Hegseth has championed eliminating wasteful spending, including over $580 million in Defense Department contracts.
Jimmy Kimmel Takes Aim
The controversy took a comedic turn when Jimmy Kimmel addressed the story on his late-night show. He contrasted Hegseth with former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, noting Austin focused on work inside the Pentagon, not TV appearances. Kimmel quipped that Hegseth, who reportedly does his own makeup, is “on TV more than Ryan Seacrest.” He also poked fun at Hegseth’s denial of the studio, joking that doing his own makeup might be “more embarrassing” and referencing warriors like Mel Gibson in Braveheart who wore makeup unapologetically.
Kimmel’s sharpest jab tied the story to broader political hypocrisy: “The defense secretary has a makeup room, the vice president wears eyeliner, and yet this administration spends all day complaining about trans women ruining sports.” The audience roared, and the segment quickly went viral, amplifying the story’s reach.
Hegseth’s Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
Hegseth dismissed the CBS report as “totally fake” on X, denying any “orders” or “makeup” involvement. He sarcastically suggested the media would prefer he installed “tampon machines in every men’s bathroom” at the Pentagon. The Pentagon Rapid Response account echoed his denial, calling the report “trash” and clarifying the space as a green room, not a makeup studio. Despite these rebuttals, multiple outlets, including Military Times and Rolling Stone, corroborated the renovation details.
The makeup studio is just one of several controversies surrounding Hegseth. His tenure has been marred by allegations of mishandling sensitive information, including sharing military strike plans via Signal group chats with unauthorized individuals like his wife, brother, and lawyer. These incidents, dubbed “Signalgate,” have prompted an inspector general review and calls for his resignation. Critics, including Rep. Ted Lieu, argue the studio symbolizes misplaced priorities, questioning how it benefits troops.
A Symbol of Larger Issues?
The makeup room saga underscores broader concerns about Hegseth’s leadership and the Pentagon’s direction. His focus on media appearances, often on Fox News, has fueled perceptions that he prioritizes optics over substance. The renovated green room, used primarily for TV hits rather than press briefings, reinforces this narrative. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has restricted reporters’ access to the briefing room, limiting their ability to file stories in a secure environment.
Social media has been less forgiving, with users dubbing Hegseth the “Pentagon Princess” and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joking about his “concealer and coverup” tactics. The controversy has also drawn comparisons to the administration’s broader spending habits, with critics citing private helicopter trips and golf outings as further examples of misplaced priorities.
As the Pentagon navigates these turbulent waters, the makeup studio remains a lightning rod for criticism. It’s a small project with outsized implications, highlighting tensions between fiscal responsibility, leadership credibility, and public perception. Whether Hegseth can weather this storm—or if the glam room will become a footnote in his tenure—remains to be seen.
