Hegseth Unveils 'No More Walking on Eggshells' Policy, Orders Shake-Up of Military Complaint System

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a new memo demanding a full review of the Military Equal Opportunity and Department of Defense civilian Equal Employment Opportunity programs. Every military branch is now on the clock, with 45 days to take a hard look at how they handle complaints of harassment and discrimination among service members and civilians.

In a video message, Hegseth acknowledged the value of having multiple ways for people to report mistreatment. But he didn’t mince words—he believes these systems have been "weaponized" for revenge and personal vendettas, rather than justice. That’s some serious shade thrown at the current complaint process.

The memo, officially called "Restoring Good Order and Discipline Through Balanced Accountability," has already picked up the nickname "No More Walking on Eggshells"—Hegseth’s way of saying it’s time for leaders to stop feeling like they’re tiptoeing around potential complaints. He wants commanders to make tough calls, enforce standards, and bring back some old-school discipline.

Key changes include: Unsubstantiated complaints—those lacking credible evidence—should be tossed out quickly. Promotions or awards for accused individuals won’t be held up unless a complaint is actually proven. And anyone caught filing a knowingly false complaint could be facing their own disciplinary action. The message is clear: the days of endless red tape and weaponized grievances might be numbered.

Hegseth isn’t exactly new to controversy himself. Since taking over at the Pentagon, he’s weathered plenty of allegations, from accusations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse to claims of mismanaging veterans’ groups. Notably, his ex-wife denied a particularly serious abuse accusation made by a family member, and Hegseth has repeatedly claimed he’s the victim of coordinated media attacks. It’s like Pentagon bingo—allegations, denials, and more allegations.

Recent headlines have also put Hegseth in the hot seat over two Signal messaging scandals. One involved a chat about possible military action in Yemen, where although National Security Advisor Mike Waltz caught most of the flak, Hegseth didn’t escape criticism. In another case, he was accused of sharing sensitive military information in a Signal group chat with his wife, brother, and personal attorney. According to reports, this included flight schedules for F/A-18s targeting Houthis in Yemen.

Hegseth has dismissed these claims as attempts to sabotage President Trump’s agenda, and despite speculation about his future, the White House is standing firmly by his side. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt credited him with shaking up the Pentagon and suggested that the backlash is just resistance to change.