Pete Hegseth Faces Social Media Roast Over Unflattering Viral Photo Even as Iran War Dominates Headlines
Pete Hegseth Draws Online Mockery Over Viral Photo at a Time When Iran War Is Driving Headlines Worldwide
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is at the center of the ongoing Iran conflict. Yet it’s not just geopolitical tensions he’s dealing with. Unflattering photos of him from press conferences often go viral online, and online critics waste no time mocking him. Nonetheless, Hegseth’s team tried to limit access for certain photographers who captured his less dignified images, but it didn’t help much.
According to the Washington Post, the Department of Defense barred press photographers from briefings on the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran after they published photos of him that his staff found “unflattering.” Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed the decision with the publication, which was taken after a March 2 briefing. In addition, the Pentagon barred certain photographers from being in the room during Hegseth’s next two press conferences on March 4 and March 10.
Nonetheless, according to The List, the move helped Hegseth for a brief period, but by the end of the month, his other “unflattering” image started making the rounds again. The image, which went viral on March 24, showed the former Fox News host with his lips pursed. Taking shots at the Defense Secretary, several internet users shared their views on X.
A user pointed to Hegseth’s past drinking habits and said, “Drunk again at the White House today.” While another referenced the derogatory nickname associated with him, writing, “They don’t call him kegsbreath for nothing.”
Internet users poke fun at Hegseth over new viral photo.
Pete Hegseth's new viral photo gets mocked online
A third user wrote a mean comment, saying, “It’s not REALLY the photos, it’s just that Pete is very unattractive.” Another user added, “And he was striking a pose & thinking he nailed it.” Going a step further, some internet users also shared images of Benito Mussolini, the founder of fascism, striking similar expressions.
In addition, The List report further suggests that, before banning certain photographers from his press briefings because he didn’t like their images, Hegseth even demanded that the U.S. military work on their own physical appearance.
Internet users poke fun at Hegseth over new viral photo.
In September 2025, he invited 800 generals to a single location to address what was expected of them. According to ABC News, he insisted generals maintain a sharp appearance, saying, “no more beardos,” further adding, “Frankly, it's tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troop.”
He further said, “Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon and leading commands around the country and the world. It’s a bad look.”
Pete Hegseth lays out standards in speech to top generals.
Not only Hegseth, but also Trump has previously focused on whether a person would look good on TV. According to the Washington Post, Trump decided against hiring John R Bolton as Secretary of State during his first term because of his mustache.
The List report further suggests that during his second term, Trump reportedly took a strong interest in his cabinet’s makeup, even choosing their shoes based on his own preferences, sometimes without regard for comfort. Given that POTUS places a lot of weight on image, the unflattering images of Hegseth circulating online may also affect how Trump views Hegseth.