World

Hegseth kicks off ‘Send Me Tour’ amid Iran war backlash

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-19

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth launched his ‘Send Me Tour’ in Texas, aiming to engage military personnel and their families amid declining approval ratings and public frustration over the Iran war. • Why it matters: Hegseth's net favourability has dropped to a record low of -24 points, reflecting growing discontent with US military involvement in Iran, making this tour a strategic effort to reconnect with the public and bolster support for the military. • What to watch next: As the tour progresses, attention will be on Hegseth's interactions with military families and civilians, as well as any shifts in public sentiment regarding the Iran war and military leadership.

**Hegseth Launches ‘Send Me Tour’ Amid Rising Discontent Over Iran War**

In a significant move amid escalating tensions regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has initiated his ‘Send Me Tour’ in Texas. This outreach program is designed to engage with military personnel and their families, drawing inspiration from the biblical phrase, “Whom shall I send?” which references the declaration made by the prophet Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me.”

The tour comes at a time when Hegseth's approval ratings have taken a notable hit, with his net favourability plummeting to a record low of -24 points. This decline is largely attributed to growing public frustration and discontent surrounding the United States' involvement in the Iran war. As the conflict continues to unfold, many citizens have expressed their concerns regarding military strategies and the implications of the war on both domestic and international fronts.

Hegseth's tour aims to bolster support for the military and reaffirm the commitment of the Department of Defence to its personnel. By invoking a biblical reference, Hegseth seeks to resonate with the values of service and sacrifice that are often associated with military life. The outreach is expected to include discussions on military readiness, support for veterans, and the importance of community engagement in times of conflict.

The Secretary's decision to embark on this tour reflects a strategic effort to reconnect with the public and military communities, particularly as sentiments about the Iran war grow increasingly critical. Many are questioning the rationale behind the ongoing military actions and the long-term objectives of US involvement in the region.

As Hegseth travels across Texas and potentially other states, he is likely to face tough questions from both military families and civilians regarding the administration's policies and the future of US military engagements abroad. The outcome of this tour may play a crucial role in shaping public perception of Hegseth and the Department of Defence in the coming months.

The ‘Send Me Tour’ is not just a campaign to improve Hegseth’s image; it also serves as a platform to address the pressing issues faced by service members and their families during a time of war. The Secretary's ability to effectively communicate and connect with these communities will be essential in navigating the current climate of discontent and skepticism surrounding military operations.

As the tour progresses, it will be important to monitor public reactions and any shifts in sentiment regarding the Iran war and military leadership. Hegseth's efforts to engage with the public and military personnel may provide insights into the broader implications of the conflict and the administration's approach to national security.

In summary, Hegseth's ‘Send Me Tour’ marks a pivotal moment for the Secretary of Defence as he seeks to address the challenges posed by declining approval ratings amid the backdrop of the Iran war. With public sentiment at a critical juncture, the success of this outreach initiative will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.

Source: Al Jazeera
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