Hegseth’s Makeup Studio Order Sparks Controversy at Pentagon

PENTAGON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently ordered renovations to a room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing area, aiming to turn it into a makeup studio for television appearances, multiple sources reported to CBS News.

This project, which reportedly cost several thousand dollars, comes amid ongoing calls for cost-cutting measures within the administration. The original estimate for the renovation was over $40,000, but plans were scaled back, sources said.

A Defense Department spokesperson stated that changes and upgrades to the briefing room are routine during administrative transitions. Hegseth, a former morning show co-host on Fox News‘ “Fox & Friends Weekend,” has not yet utilized the room for press briefings.

The renovation was prompted by Tami Radabaugh, the deputy assistant for strategic engagement and a former producer for Fox News. Approval for the upgrade also came from Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet, who is also a former Fox News producer.

New items were added to the space, including a large mirror with makeup lighting, a director’s chair, and a constructed countertop. According to the spokesperson, these items were sourced from existing inventories, and the upgrades were described as cost-effective requests.

As Hegseth has been doing his own makeup in preparation for televised appearances, a Defense official clarified that he is not hiring a makeup artist for the task.

The upgraded green room is intended for use by senior leaders and VIPs ahead of press engagements. The Defense Department shared that early this year, an in-house construction team had already modified the green room, which previously featured minimal furnishings.

Recently, Hegseth faced scrutiny for sharing sensitive military information via a private Signal chat that included personal contacts, including his wife. He denied disclosing classified details and has not yet addressed reporters directly in the press room but has appeared on Fox News, discussing military matters.

The Pentagon restricted access to the briefing room in February, barring reporters from entry unless officials were speaking. This change limited press access to one of the few places where reporters could file stories and connect to Wi-Fi in the secure building.