In a small but noticeable update to Pentagon amenities, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered modest renovations to the green room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing area, transforming it into a makeup prep studio for television appearances, according to reporting by CBS News.
The project, which reportedly cost several thousand dollars, included the installation of a director-style chair and a large mirror outfitted with professional makeup lighting. The room, which previously featured only sparse furnishings, now provides a functional space for officials preparing to go live on television.
This work would not be possible without the backing of readers like you, so thank you for making this work sustainable.
The upgrade has raised some eyebrows given the traditionally austere tone of Pentagon operations, but a spokesperson emphasized the frugal nature of the project. “For this upgrade we were deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand materiel solutions,” the spokesperson said. Nonetheless, the studio was paid for by your taxpayer dollars.
Sources told CBS News that Hegseth, who has made appearances on Fox News from the Pentagon briefing room, is personally handling his own makeup and has not enlisted the services of a professional makeup artist. The defense official underscored that no taxpayer dollars were used for luxury services.
The decision has sparked some commentary on social media and beyond, touching on everything from Pentagon optics to the blending of defense policy and media strategy. Critics have questioned the necessity of such an upgrade, while others point out that modern communication—especially in the age of 24/7 news—requires a polished presence, even in government settings.
This small transformation reflects a broader shift in how public officials, including those in the highest levels of defense, are adapting to the evolving demands of media engagement—where presentation, like policy, plays a crucial role in shaping public perception.
Share this post