Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Logan and Jake Paul at the Pentagon in a visit captured on social media, where the brothers toured areas marked "Department of War," posed with Hegseth and made short remarks to service members. The Pauls have known ties to figures in the Trump orbit and careers spanning social media, combat sports and reality TV. The Daily Beast sought comment from the Pentagon about the invitation. Hegseth's leadership has been contentious, with critics citing personnel changes and a push for stricter grooming and fitness standards.
Pete Hegseth Hosts Logan and Jake Paul at the Pentagon, Sparks Questions About Visit
The two brothers, who have zero military experience, were asked to deliver a speech to troops at the Pentagon. / Defense Department/X
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invited internet personalities and reality stars Logan and Jake Paul to the Pentagon for a visit that was recorded and shared on social media. Video footage shows the brothers touring areas of the building, posing for photos beside signage reading "Department of War," and making brief remarks to service members.
The influencers were shown all around the Pentagon. / Defense Department
"We just got the pleasure and the privilege of getting a tour of the Pentagon, and uh, what a cool experience," Logan Paul, 31, says in the posted video. Identifying himself as a wrestler and podcaster, he added: "To see all the men and women here who are serving this great nation, I don't think there is any greater commitment to sacrifice than those who are willing to live, die, and fight for their country."
From the Pentagon press room, Jake Paul, 29, told troops: "Each one of you matter. Take this moment and be proud of yourselves for what you do." He also said, "This is the greatest country in the world, truly. We are blessed to be born here, come here, and we should never take that for granted."
The footage includes smiling photos with Hegseth, 46, and short interactions with military personnel. The Daily Beast reported that it contacted Pentagon officials seeking an explanation for why the influencers were invited to address service members but did not immediately receive a response.
Hegseth got the Paul brothers a tour of the Pentagon. / Defense Department/X
Context And Controversies
The Paul brothers have previously been allied with figures in the Trump orbit. Jake Paul appeared at a Donald Trump rally in March, speaking to supporters about courage and "swag," and received public praise from the former president, who suggested Jake might seek political office in the future. Logan Paul, an influencer and wrestler with a long list of public controversies, hosted Trump on his Impaulsive podcast ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The Paul brothers have a particularly polarizing history online. / Defense Department/X
Both brothers have moved into professional combat sports and reality television. Their HBO Max series Paul American, which follows the family and their business ventures, premiered last year and holds a 2.8/10 rating on IMDb; HBO Max has not confirmed a renewal for a second season.
Jake Paul was invited to speak during a Trump rally in Kentucky earlier this year. / Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Questions About Hegseth's Leadership
Hegseth's invitation to the Pauls comes amid a contentious period in his tenure. The secretary narrowly avoided an impeachment vote earlier this year and has been the subject of criticism for several personnel and policy moves, including the removal of some senior military leaders and initiatives critics describe as politically and culturally driven. He has also emphasized a strict concept of "warrior ethos," including tighter grooming rules and more rigorous fitness benchmarks across branches.
Logan Paul made his debut as a professional wrestler for WWE in 2022. / Ben Roberts Photo / Getty Images
Observers and some service members have raised questions about the appropriateness of inviting high-profile influencers with political ties to speak to troops. Pentagon officials have not yet provided a public explanation for the guest list or the stated purpose of the visit.
Nina Agdal, Logan Paul, Jutta Leerdam, and Jake Paul. / Max
Reporting note: The account of events and quotes is drawn from the video shared publicly and reporting by The Daily Beast, which sought comment from the Pentagon.
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