In a recent exchange that has sparked controversy, California Governor Gavin Newsom took a jab at President Donald Trump's physique, following Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's declaration of his distaste for "fat generals" in the military.
"I guess the Commander in Chief needs to go!" Newsom retorted on an undisclosed platform, reacting to a video of Hegseth's address to a gathering of America's top military officials, where he underscored the importance of physical fitness.
As reported by Newsmax, Newsom's comment was accompanied by a photograph of President Trump taken during a campaign stop at a McDonald's in October. The Governor's press office later posted another reference to Trump's weight, this time featuring a digitally created image of the President holding two McDonald's burgers, with drones delivering more food from above, and the President dressed in a casual gray T-shirt.
The post was captioned, "IT'S COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE TO SEE A FAT COMMANDER IN CHIEF IN THE HALLS OF THE WHITE HOUSE!"
Secretary Hegseth, in his address, had been critical of the physical condition of U.S. military commanders. He urged the generals and admirals to prepare for a return to stringent combat arms requirements, applicable to "the highest male standard only." His speech included candid remarks about physical fitness.
"It is tiring to look out ... and see fat troops. Likewise, it's completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon leading commands around the country and the world. "It is a bad look. Bad, and not who we are."
This incident has raised questions about the appropriateness of public figures commenting on each other's physical appearances, especially in the context of political and military leadership. It also highlights the ongoing debate about the importance of physical fitness in the military, a traditionally conservative institution that values discipline, strength, and readiness for combat.
The seasoned reporter, anchor, and news director, Jim Mishler, who has decades of experience covering crime, politics, and environmental issues, also reported on this story. Other related stories include Col. Mark Cancian's statement to Newsmax that Trump did not mention firing or loyalty tests, and Trump's commitment to spending $1T on the military in 2026.
While the debate about physical fitness standards in the military continues, it is clear that the issue has become a point of contention between political figures. The question remains whether these public exchanges will lead to any substantial changes in military fitness standards or if they will remain as political rhetoric.
As the nation watches, the impact of these discussions on the military's image and the public's perception of its leaders remains to be seen.
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