Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré didn’t hold back when responding to Pete Hegseth’s controversial comments about women in combat, declaring that the Fox News personality simply doesn’t get it.
During a candid interview on “TMZ Live” Wednesday, Honoré made it clear that women are not only capable of fighting alongside men but are essential to the U.S. military’s success.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, had recently echoed President-elect Donald Trump’s sentiments, claiming that women in combat complicate military operations. But Honoré, who spent decades in the Army, had a firm rebuttal.
“I’ll be honest, I had my doubts early on too,” Honoré confessed, acknowledging his own skepticism about women on the front lines during his career. “But once we made the change, we saw the results. Women got the job done—no questions asked.” Honoré pointed to countless examples of women in service who have excelled in combat roles and leadership positions. “I know plenty of women in the military, from enlisted ranks to officers, and they are doing amazing work,” he added.
Honoré also criticized Hegseth’s argument that women make the military less lethal. “There’s zero data to back that up,” he said. “None. This isn’t a matter of opinion, it’s a matter of facts.”
In fact, Honoré emphasized that there are far bigger issues facing the Army today. One of the most pressing, according to Honoré, is the crisis of sexual assault within the ranks. “The real problem is the assaults women face at the hands of men. That’s the challenge,” he explained. “But even with those problems, the Army is in such a recruiting crisis right now that we need all hands on deck—men and women.”
Honoré’s defense of women in combat comes at a time when military recruitment numbers are at historic lows, and the U.S. military faces a struggle to maintain its ranks. The general made it clear that women’s contributions are critical, not just as soldiers, but as leaders who are helping steer the military through a tumultuous period.
As for Hegseth’s role in Trump’s administration, Honoré didn’t mince words. “It’s a bad pick,” he said bluntly. “It’s hard for me to imagine someone who doesn’t understand the full scope of the military’s needs in 2024, especially when it comes to the essential role women play.”
The conversation between Honoré and the TMZ team revealed a sharp contrast between the general’s practical military experience and Hegseth’s more traditional views on combat. Honoré’s interview is a must-watch, especially for those who still question the critical role of women in today’s military.
Check out the full interview on “TMZ Live” to hear more about Honoré’s views on Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense and the state of the U.S. Army.
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I was an infantry grunt for 2 years in the early 70’s and interacted with many service women. Very few could have contributed anything in a combat role. It’s possible recruiting has changed over the years but the difference between men and women will never change.