WASHINGTON

Deriding the drive for diversity in the military, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday called instead for "unity."

"I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is 'our diversity is our strength.' I think our strength is our unity," Hegseth told Defense Department personnel.

"In this department, we will treat everyone equally. We will treat everyone with fairness."

Last month, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders meant to reshape the military, which he said had deteriorated under Joe Biden, who served as president in between Trump’s first and second terms. One executive order is meant to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while another is set to eliminate "gender radicalism in the military."

Hegseth also promised to get the Pentagon to pass what he called a "clean audit" within four years.

"The American taxpayers deserve that. They deserve to know where their $850 billion go, how it’s spent, and make sure it's spent wisely," he added.

Hegseth last month gained his defense chief post by a razor-thin vote in Congress, dogged by controversies including remarks disapproving of women serving in combat roles and alleged public displays of Islamophobia.