Why Pete Hegseth is being trolled as ‘Pentagon Princess’

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is being mocked online as “Pentagon Princess” by social media users.

The nickname started doing the rounds after reports claimed that he had a makeup studio set up inside the Pentagon, apparently to prepare himself and other officials before appearing on television.

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Hegseth, a former Fox News presenter, is already under pressure to step down following the Signal group chat incident , where a journalist from The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a channel discussing plans for a strike on the Houthis in Yemen.

In this explainer, we look at what the reports said, how people reacted online, and what Pete Hegseth said in response.

Why Pete Hegseth is being called ‘Pentagon Princess’

CBS News reported that Pete Hegseth recently ordered changes to a room next to the Pentagon press briefing area, converting it into a makeup studio for television appearances.

According to the report, the project cost several thousand dollars, even as the administration is looking for ways to reduce spending.

Earlier this year, an in-house team renovated the nearby green room. Sources told CBS News that the room previously had only basic furniture, a table with chairs, a television, photos of former defence secretaries, and a mirror on the back of the door.

The table was later removed, and a new chair, along with a large mirror fitted with makeup lighting was added, the report said.

The report also said the idea was first put forward by Tami Radabaugh, a former Fox and CBS News producer who now serves as deputy assistant to the secretary for strategic engagement. She had the backing of Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer.

When asked about the upgrade, a spokesperson for the Defence Department told CBS News that such changes are common.

“Changes and upgrades to the Pentagon Briefing Room are nothing new and routinely happen during changes in an administration,” the spokesperson said.

“For this upgrade, we were deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand materiel solutions.”

Notably, Hegseth has repeatedly faced criticism since taking office, especially after people outside the administration were mistakenly included in Signal chats about potential military action.

The report said that the original plan for the renovation was estimated to cost over $40,000, but the proposal was later scaled back.

What did Hegseth say on the reports?

Pete Hegseth has dismissed the reports claiming he ordered a makeup room at the Pentagon.

“1) Totally fake story. No ‘orders’ and no ‘makeup’ — but whatever. 2) We should have installed tampon machines in every men’s bathroom at [the Defence Department] instead — the leftist ‘news’ media would have loved that,” Hegseth posted on X, responding to CBS News’ report on the renovation.

The Defence Department also labelled the story “fake news” in its own post on X. It said the room did not include a lighted mirror and denied that the project cost thousands of dollars.

According to the post, the space was intended as a “green room” and “not a makeup studio.”

A defence official told CBS News that Hegseth does his own makeup before appearing on television and does not hire a makeup artist.

Known for his background in television, the former Fox News host is considered more media-savvy than many of those who held the position before him. He frequently shares videos on social media and appears regularly on TV.

How social media reacted to the report

As expected, news about the makeup studio led to a wave of mockery on social media.

Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz shared the same emojis that appeared in the leaked Signal chat about the March 15 airstrikes on the Houthis in Yemen, adding a lipstick emoji to poke fun at Hegseth.

As the report circulated, many users criticised Hegseth online, with several referring to him as “Pentagon Princess.”

“You can’t make this up… wait, I guess you can,” one person wrote, posting a link to the CBS News story.

“No amount of make-up can cover up that incompetence,” read another comment.

One user asked, “How is this not a waste of taxpayer dollars?”

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett posted, “Pete Hegseth is treating the Pentagon like it’s a Fox News set - ordering a makeup studio while leaking sensitive information in Signal chats . This is what happens when you put clout-chasers in charge of national security.”

Another user wrote, “Hegseth needed to fire the experienced military people at the Pentagon but the money saved allowed room for his brand new make up studio.”

So far, Hegseth has not used the press briefing room himself. Reports say it was prepared so he could do television interviews.

The room was renovated earlier this year, with a Defence Department spokesperson telling CBS News that it will be available for use by senior leaders and VIPs.

Speaking to The Hill, another spokesperson confirmed the upgrades, saying, “Most of the changes in the Green Room were furniture modifications — a director’s style chair, mirror, and a makeup light — all of which were added from existing inventories. A countertop was added and constructed internally by the Facilities Services Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services.”