'Our boys in those bombers...': Pete Hegseth slammed for 'sexism' during Pentagon briefing on Iran strike

Defense secretary Pete Hegseth was called out for his sexism as he mentioned 'our boys in those bombers' as he spoke about B-2 pilots while briefing about Operation Midnight Hammer. The New York Times pointed out that 'both men and women have trained to fly them'. Fox News also corrected that claim as Fox News chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin claimed that Fox learned that at least one the of B2 pilots who took part in the Iran mission was female.

"Tehran is calculating the reality that planes flew from the middle of America in MISSOURI overnight, completely undetected, over 3 of their most highly sensitive sites. And we were able to destroy nuclear capabilities, and our boys in those bombers are on their way home right now. We believe that'll have a clear psychological impact on how they view the future," Hegset said emphasizing how proud he was watching this in real time.

Defense Secretary Hegseth: "We were able to destroy nuclear capabilities. And OUR BOYS in those bombers are on their way home right now."

Fox News has learned that at least one of the B2 pilots who took part in the Iran mission was female.@FoxNews

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) June 22, 2025

The internet was divided, as many social media users slammed NYT and Fox News for pointing this out. X users claimed that gender composition of the military crew do not matter as it's always "soldiers, sailors, marines,, air or coasties"

"When SecDef made his opening statement, he thanked all involve without using gender if that makes you happy.
Also since their are only a few active women B2 pilots, why bring a spotlight on them making them a target," one wrote.

New York Times:

In the briefing, Hegseth referred to B-2 pilots as “our boys on those bombers,” yet both men and women have trained to fly them. pic.twitter.com/OyRjA9YsMv

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 22, 2025

"IF she's a warrior, she'd be fine being referred to collegially as one of "our boys" after such a tremendous mission. DON'T make a problem where there is none," another wrote.

"We are proud of all of them and glad that they are safely on their way home. Trying to act outraged about the phrase “OUR BOYS” is asinine," another user wrote.

Pete Hegseth was reportedly sidelined during Trump's Iran plan as Trump consulted experienced war veterans but Hegseth led the Pentagon briefing Sunday.