U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio listen to U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) as he speaks to the media at the end of his participation in the NATO leaders summit in Ankara, Turkey, July 8, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who uses the title "Secretary of War" under a Trump executive order, initiated a strict crackdown this week.
During a naval ship visit, Hegseth discovered too many soldiers received beard exemptions, CNN reported.
According to the report, Pentagon leadership subsequently held meetings emphasizing Hegseth's close monitoring of beard policy compliance and other workplace changes, with pressure from political appointees to accelerate implementation.
While beards have historically been restricted in the military, with exceptions for religious or medical reasons, Hegseth seeks to minimize these exemptions.
The policy could disproportionately harm Black service members, who are particularly susceptible to pseudofolliculitis barbae, a painful condition where shaved hair curls back into skin, CNN reports.
Under Hegseth's directives, commanders can discharge military personnel requiring shaving waivers after one year of medical treatment for the condition. Additionally, Hegseth enforced changes to Equal Employment Opportunity law, including presumptions of innocence for complaint subjects.
Watch the video below.