Trump's Controversial Move Sparks Backlash and Criticism

WHO:

The Daily Beast - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Vice President JD Vance, President Trump

Alternet - Derek Griffith, Adriane Fugh-Berman, Brooke Nickel

WHAT:

The Daily Beast - Pete Hegseth announced a new screening program for testosterone deficiency among military personnel over 30.

The Daily Beast - Hegseth's initiative includes offering hormone replacement therapy to service members with low testosterone levels.

Alternet - The new policy requires military officers aged 30 and older to undergo testosterone screenings, with those found deficient required to undergo hormone replacement therapy.

Alternet - Experts expressed concern that the rationale for the policy lacks scientific backing and could lead to health risks.

WHERE:

The Daily Beast - Pentagon

WHEN:

The Daily Beast - Hegseth unveiled the policy in a video posted on X.

WHY:

The Daily Beast - Hegseth stated the policy aims to "optimize your performance, your resilience, and your long-term health."

Alternet - Hegseth's focus on masculinity is part of a broader trend among Trump administration officials.

HOW:

The Daily Beast - The screening program will be part of the military’s periodic health assessment for troops over 30.

Alternet - Medical experts warned of potential side effects from hormone replacement therapy, including heart problems and infertility.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 12:40 UTC)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new screening program for testosterone deficiency among military personnel over 30, which will include hormone replacement therapy for those found to have low levels. This initiative, unveiled in a video posted on X, is part of the military's periodic health assessment and aims to "optimize your performance, your resilience, and your long-term health," according to Hegseth. However, experts have raised concerns about the lack of scientific backing for the policy and the potential health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, including heart problems and infertility.