‘Secretary of War’ Pete Hegseth Lifts Weights as Trump Weighs Military Action Against Iran

As discussions of military action against Iran intensify, Pete Hegseth, often dubbed the “Secretary of War,” has been spotted lifting weights rather than engaging in diplomatic talks. This week, videos surfaced on official U.S. government social media accounts featuring Hegseth demonstrating his workout regimen.

“Gotta keep the butt down,” he advised viewers in one clip shared on the “Department of War Rapid Response” X account, just before racking weights. The juxtaposition of fitness and military strategy was evident as Hegseth, a military veteran, was cheered on by troops at Fort Campbell while bench-pressing.

Between Thursday and Saturday, several clips showcased Hegseth’s workouts, including an attempt to bench press 300 pounds with his teenage son as a spotter. “The warrior ethos is alive and well at Fort Campbell,” he captioned a post featuring him wielding an ax and addressing troops beneath a banner proclaiming “Let valor not fail.”

This fitness content coincided with President Trump’s remarks about potentially ordering airstrikes on Iran. “As Trump moves the military closer to war with Iran there is this,” commented a Pentagon correspondent, highlighting the odd timing of Hegseth’s gym sessions.

Social media reactions varied; one user quipped, “Doesn’t really look like he’s invading Iran today,” while another urged, “Bro, go do your job…” Critics pointed out the incongruity of Hegseth’s role as a fitness influencer rather than a military leader. “I know for a fact Iran's SecWar can't bench 315,” joked another user.

Supporters of Hegseth defended him, noting, “Ok to be fair, it’s nice having a Secretary of War bench 315,” and “315 is respectable.” His workout sessions at Fort Campbell followed a similar display earlier in the week with Dr. Mehmet Oz at the latter’s Palm Beach residence.

“Secretary @PeteHegseth visited us for a beachside brunch — he can turn a leisurely afternoon into a MAHA extravaganza with tree pull-ups, a cold plunge, and a Mediterranean feast!” Oz posted alongside images of their workout.

In a week filled with unusual fitness displays, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also shared a video of himself working out in jeans alongside musician Kid Rock.

Meanwhile, Trump met with key advisors to discuss the escalating situation with Iran after high-stakes talks in Geneva. The president confirmed he is “considering” airstrikes to pressure Iran into a new nuclear agreement, which he claims to have previously “obliterated” through earlier strikes.

“I guess I can say I am considering that,” Trump stated when asked about potential limited strikes involving U.S. warplanes.

The U.S. military presence in the Middle East is increasing amid rising tensions with Tehran. The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was recently sighted off Oman’s coast and will soon be joined by the $13 billion U.S.S. Gerald R Ford. This buildup includes destroyers and specialized combat ships positioned to cover Iran’s southern flank as F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets accumulate at bases in the region.

During a Thursday meeting promoting Trump’s Board of Peace, where he also discussed efforts to end Israel’s conflict in Gaza, the president warned that Tehran must negotiate on its nuclear program or face “bad things.”

However, not all members of the Trump administration support military action against Iran. A senior White House official indicated that there is no “unified support” for an attack, suggesting that aides prefer the president focus on economic issues ahead of the 2026 midterms.