Hegseth signs 'No More Walking on Eggshells' policy, demands review of equal opportunity complaint process

Fox News - Apr 25th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has introduced a new policy, dubbed the 'No More Walking on Eggshells' policy, aimed at overhauling the Military Equal Opportunity and DoD civilian Equal Employment Opportunity programs. This directive mandates a comprehensive review by each military department to ensure complaints of harassment and discrimination are substantiated before action is taken, and to hold accountable those who file false claims. The move seeks to empower military leaders to make decisive actions without fear of retaliation through unfounded allegations, aiming to restore discipline and order.

This policy comes at a time when Hegseth himself has been embroiled in several controversies, including past allegations of misconduct and current scrutiny over sharing sensitive military information. Despite these challenges, the White House has voiced its support for Hegseth, backing his efforts to implement significant changes within the Department of Defense. The implications of this policy are significant, as they aim to balance accountability with fairness, potentially affecting the culture and operational efficiency within the military and the Department of Defense.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a significant policy change within the Department of Defense, focusing on the introduction of the 'No More Walking on Eggshells' policy by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It provides a clear narrative and maintains a neutral tone, making it accessible and engaging for readers interested in military affairs. However, the piece could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more detailed evidence to support its claims, particularly regarding the controversies surrounding Hegseth. While the article addresses a topic of public interest and has the potential to influence discussions on military culture and accountability, its impact is somewhat limited by the lack of diverse viewpoints and in-depth analysis. Overall, the story is timely and relevant, but further exploration of the issues raised could enhance its comprehensiveness and credibility.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the introduction of the 'No More Walking on Eggshells' policy by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which is corroborated by the memo's official title, 'Restoring Good Order and Discipline Through Balanced Accountability.' The article correctly outlines the policy's intent to review and potentially reform Military Equal Opportunity and DoD civilian Equal Employment Opportunity programs. However, the story includes allegations against Hegseth, such as those of sexual misconduct and mismanagement, which require further verification and context. The claims about the misuse of complaint systems and Hegseth's controversies are presented with some factual support, but the article could benefit from more detailed evidence or references to external investigations or reports.

6
Balance

The article presents a primarily one-sided narrative by focusing on Hegseth's perspective and the policy's introduction without offering substantial counterpoints or perspectives from those who might oppose the policy. While it mentions controversies surrounding Hegseth, it lacks detailed viewpoints from critics or those affected by the policy changes. The inclusion of White House support provides some balance, yet the absence of voices from military personnel or equal opportunity advocates leaves the piece somewhat imbalanced.

8
Clarity

The article is written in clear and straightforward language, making it accessible to a general audience. The structure logically presents the policy announcement, Hegseth's controversies, and the White House's stance. However, the inclusion of various allegations without deeper context might confuse readers unfamiliar with Hegseth's background. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and provides a coherent narrative.

7
Source quality

The article relies on statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House, which are credible sources for the policy's introduction. However, the story does not cite independent experts or external reports to substantiate claims about the policy's potential impact or the allegations against Hegseth. The use of photographs and video references adds some credibility, but the lack of diverse sources limits the depth of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the policy and its intended outcomes but lacks transparency regarding the methodology behind the policy's development and the specific criteria used for evaluating complaints. It also does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting, such as the political implications of Hegseth's actions or the motivations behind the White House's support.

Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCADkwHuee4
  2. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hegseth-signs-no-more-walking-eggshells-policy-demands-review-equal-opportunity-complaint-process
  3. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9ii73s
  4. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4165627/hegseth-directs-review-of-equal-opportunity-complaint-process/
  5. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense/3391777/hegseth-pentagon-equal-opportunity-complaint-process-review/