US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under fresh scrutiny after reports claimed he was seen using a makeup compact moments before a high-level meeting on the war in Ukraine, an incident that has fuelled debate over image, leadership and priorities at the Pentagon. The episode, which allegedly took place just ahead of talks with Ukraine's defence minister, has quickly gained traction across US media and social platforms, adding to existing criticism of Hegseth's media-focused approach to public office.
The reported incident occurred during a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where Hegseth was scheduled to hold discussions with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. According to multiple US media accounts, Hegseth was observed powdering his nose from a compact shortly before entering the room, with the moment witnessed by individuals present in the vicinity rather than captured on camera. The meeting came amid continued international efforts to coordinate military and financial support for Ukraine as the war with Russia drags on.
