Miller says Trump 'unleashed' military from 'woke Pentagon' constraints after years of political correctness

Stephen Miller defends Trump's military approach, arguing the president has "unleashed" U.S. forces without political correctness in Middle East strikes. Fox News Flash Miller says Trump 'unleashed' military from 'woke Pentagon' constraints after years of political correctness Deputy White House Chief of Staff defends recent Iran strikes as return to 'America First' leadership By Taylor Penley Fox News Published March 5, 2026 9:00am EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Stephen Miller: The US military is not fighting 'politically correct' White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller speaks about U.S.-Israeli joint strikes on Iran to take down the Islamic regime on ‘Hannity.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Deputy White House Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller said President Donald Trump has "unleashed" the full strength of the U.S. military, arguing that recent strikes signal a return to what he described as "America First" leadership on the world stage. "What you're seeing right now is a military under President Trump's leadership that's not fighting politically correct, that isn't fighting with its hands tied behind its back," Miller said Wednesday on "Hannity.""One of the reasons I fear, Sean, that some people in this country lost faith in the military and the capacity to use that military to defend us is because we had a woke Pentagon, because we had a military who, at the very highest levels, not the warfighters, was forced to fight a less-than-full fight." PETE HEGSETH CRITICIZES 'FAKE NEWS' COVERAGE OF IRAN STRIKES, SAYS ONLY TRAGEDIES MAKE FRONT PAGE White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller is seen outside the White House on Oct. 6, 2025. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Miller insisted the Trump administration has allowed the military to "[unleash] all of its lethal prowess" and to "go out and seek, destroy and kill the enemy," something he believes has been largely absent from recent administrations. "[That's] what militaries are for," he said.Miller's comments come as tensions in the Middle East intensify following a series of U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leaders and military infrastructure. PENTAGON HONORS AMERICAN TROOPS KILLED IN OPERATION EPIC FURY: ‘NEVER BE FORGOTTEN’ Smoke rises from central Tehran following reported U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran's capital on March 3, 2026. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)The decision to strike has drawn sharp criticism on Capitol Hill, where some lawmakers argue the president should have sought congressional authorization before launching direct military action. Others, including some Republicans aligned with the party's more isolationist wing, have questioned whether deeper U.S. involvement risks entangling the country in another prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Miller, however, pushed back against such critiques, arguing that "America First" does not equate to isolationism. "America First means America will be the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world, and it means we will defend American lives, and yes, we will avenge American blood," he said.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Video"Iran has waged war against the American people, this regime, for 47 years. They took our embassy hostage, they bombed our Marines in Beirut, they kidnapped, tortured and murdered the CIA station chief. They have maimed and wounded and attacked thousands of American troops. All of that American blood spilled by this regime, and President Trump for years has said we will not allow a regime that sheds the blood of our citizens, that menaces our people, that spreads terrorism around the world, that trains proxy armies… [to have missiles or nuclear weapons]." Related Article Pete Hegseth criticizes 'fake news' coverage of Iran strikes, says only tragedies make front page Taylor Penley is an associate editor with Fox News. Related Topics Fox News FlashHannityMediaDonald TrumpMILITARYWar With Iran Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!