In the wake of a successful start to his tenure, with many praising the accomplishments of his administration’s first few months, the Secretary of Defense is not backing down from the barrage of negative media coverage. The first 110 days of this administration, as noted, have been marked by significant strides in defense reform and military priorities, a feat described as unprecedented. Yet, despite the early successes, criticism has remained relentless, particularly from mainstream media outlets.

During a candid moment in a recent interview, the Secretary reflected on the negativity surrounding his efforts, especially on social media. “100% of the coverage from mainstream media has been negative. That’s a record,” he said, with a touch of sarcasm, suggesting that a medal for such a record might be in order. He quickly attributed this persistent media barrage to the ongoing battle over President Trump’s legacy. “They’re going after President Trump just like they did from the minute he came down the escalator in his first term,” he remarked.

The Secretary’s take on the matter is clear: this is about more than just him. It’s a continuation of the relentless campaign to undermine President Trump, his policies, and his supporters. As someone who fully supports Trump’s agenda, the Secretary is prepared for the inevitable attacks that come with aligning himself so openly with the former president. “They want to tear him down, his agenda down, and his voters down because I support him fully and I’m willing to be strong and bold in that proclamation,” he added confidently.

A ‘Bring It On’ Mentality

Despite the media onslaught, the Secretary remains unshaken. “Bring it on,” he stated, making it clear that the attacks are not something that will deter him from his mission. Instead, he believes that the negative coverage only fuels his determination to continue with the work he and the Pentagon are doing. “It only fuels what we’re doing here at the Pentagon on behalf of the warfighter, on behalf of our commander-in-chief, on behalf of restoring it back to basics and lethality,” he said. His unwavering commitment to President Trump’s vision for the military, and his belief in the importance of staying focused on the mission, stands firm despite external pressures.

The Secretary’s remarks point to a deep sense of purpose that has guided his work since assuming office. He referenced the notes he receives from soldiers, particularly from lower-ranking personnel like privates, captains, and recruits. These messages of gratitude and appreciation for the leadership he provides are a significant source of motivation for him. “The notes I get… that’s what fuels us,” he shared, highlighting the impact of his leadership on the ground.

A Shift in Focus for the Military

One of the key changes the Secretary points to is a shift in focus away from controversial issues that distracted from military readiness during previous administrations. “We’re back to training. We’re back to basic standards. I could be a commander again. I could focus on the enemy,” he said, emphasizing the return to core military principles. The Secretary expressed frustration with past policies that, in his view, took the focus away from what truly matters in military leadership: preparing troops for the challenges they face on the battlefield.

He pointed to previous policies that had placed undue emphasis on divisive issues, such as labeling troops as extremists or pushing them to take experimental vaccines. “We had our troops being called extremists or being forced to take an experimental vaccine or being judged by the color of their skin or their gender,” he remarked, criticizing the focus of the previous administration. This, he argued, detracted from the military’s primary goal: to be ready to confront and defeat adversaries.

Under his leadership, however, the Secretary insists that the focus is now back where it should be—on readiness, unity, and preparing for any challenges that may arise. This shift has provided a renewed sense of purpose for both him and the troops he leads.

A Commitment to the Troops and the Mission

Ultimately, the Secretary’s message is one of resilience. The negative media coverage, the challenges, and the constant criticism don’t faze him. What truly matters, he believes, is the well-being and preparedness of the military. “The notes from privates, captains, and new recruits—that’s what fuels us,” he said. For him, the soldiers’ gratitude and the shared sense of mission are what drive him forward. And in his eyes, this focus on the military’s core mission—protecting the country and maintaining its strength—is what truly defines success.

The Secretary’s steadfast commitment to President Trump’s agenda, combined with his determination to return the military to its traditional focus, is setting the stage for what he hopes will be a legacy of military readiness and strength. Despite the media’s attempt to tear down his efforts, it’s clear that the Secretary is resolute in his vision, and he will continue pushing forward with the support of those who understand the importance of his mission.