Pete Hegseth has begun a public military outreach in Texas, starting a 'Send Me Tour' as his net favourability sank to a record low of -24 points amid rising public frustration over the Iran war.
At the opening event Hegseth invoked scripture, asking “Whom shall I send?” and quoting Isaiah’s response, “Here am I. Send me.” The biblical language framed the tour’s name and provided the rhetorical core of his initial remarks.
The rollout in Texas is explicitly described as a military outreach. The timing aligns with measurable declines in Hegseth’s public standing, which has hit an unprecedented negative rating, reflecting a broader backlash tied to the conduct and consequences of the Iran war.
The contrast between a faith-inflected appeal and sharply negative public opinion creates a difficult communications environment for the defence secretary. The tour places Hegseth back on the public stage while his approval metrics track in the opposite direction, tightening the political context around his outreach efforts.
Observers will be watching whether the messaging that opened the tour changes perceptions or deepens criticism tied to the conflict in Iran. For now the initiative converts a personal invocation into a public campaign, and it will unfold against a backdrop of sustained dissatisfaction with the war.
What happens next is whether the tour alters Hegseth’s standing or instead cements a new baseline of low favourability as the administration navigates a contentious military engagement overseas.
