Overview
- A White House video on X described Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a recipient of the Bronze Star for valor.
- Associated Press reporter Konstantin Toropin reported that Hegseth’s two Bronze Stars were awarded for meritorious service, not for valor.
- The White House removed the post after journalists flagged the inaccuracy.
- The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest U.S. military award, and valor awards carry a distinctive V device.
- The video followed President Trump’s order giving the Pentagon the secondary title “Department of War,” which officials say could be costly and distracting to implement.