'Should have installed tampon machines': Hegseth lashes out after makeup studio report

Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News weekend co-host tapped by Trump to lead the Department of Defense, lashed out Wednesday evening after revelations he signed off on installing a makeup studio in the Pentagon for TV appearances.

Hegseth approved thousands of dollars in spending for a room where he can apply makeup before TV appearances, CBS News reported. The room was formerly used for briefings and is located next to the Pentagon press briefing room.

A Pentagon spokesperson downplayed the report, telling the outlet: "Changes and upgrades to the Pentagon Briefing Room are nothing new and routinely happen during changes in an administration."

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The room previously had minimal furnishings, according to the report, including a table with chairs, a TV, photos of former defense secretaries and a mirror attached to a door.

"The table was removed and a new chair and large mirror with makeup lighting was installed, another source said," according to CBS News.

But Hegseth blasted the report as fake news on social media.

"1) Totally fake story. No 'orders' and no 'makeup' — but whatever," he wrote on X. "2) We should have installed tampon machines in every men’s bathroom at DoD instead — the leftist 'news' media would have loved that."

His denial comes after fierce criticism from Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA).

"I think they understand that when an individual comes into that office, talks about returning the Pentagon to the warfighters, then spends three months installing a makeup studio inside the Pentagon so he can do Fox News hits is not an individual who is serious about improving morale or readiness within the Department of Defense," Auchincloss told CNN anchor Jake Tapper.