Making public statements, War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s job is to inform Americans on the state of the military and its operations. Childish bluster only undermines that agenda. Hegseth might believe such rhetoric will enthuse President Donald Trump’s MAGA base, but it does not do what the Trump administration needs it to do: persuade all Americans and our foreign allies to support this war on Iran.

Hegseth’s background gives him a far better template, one of intellectual prudence and patriotism.