USSECDEF Pete Hegseth has "lost the trust and respect" of several top military members, thanks in large part to his "grandstanding" public appearances. While many of Hegseth's changes have been embraced, like his push for tougher fitness standards, the former TV tumor's approach has been off-putting to many military members. "The theater of it all is below our institution," one officer said. "Several of these changes are being made already by the services. And they could be made by any secretary ... They don't have to be announced on stage in public in this grandstanding kind of way." The officer was referring to Hegseth's boring televised speech to top commanders at Quantico last month. That screed irritated generals and admirals in the audience. "It was a massive waste of time," another Army general said. "If he ever had us, he lost us." Another senior officer quipped that Hegseth is focused on "not serious things."