Pete Hegseth’s Department of War backdrop draws comparisons to Nazi imagery on social media

A recent address to the military by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is drawing attention on social media, with users saying the event’s backdrop resembled iconography from the Third Reich. In an October 3 address at the United States Air Force Academy, Hegseth stood before a crowd of cadets in front of a monochromatic backdrop featuring a redesigned logo for the Department of War (DOW)—a secondary title for the Department of Defense (DOD)—which many on social media have likened to Nazi Germany imagery. Featuring a simplified version of the DOD’s traditional seal, the image has drawn comparisons to Nazi Germany’s eagle symbol, which positions the bird’s wings horizontally—just like the logo behind Hegseth—contrasting with other agency seals that feature the bald eagle’s wings opened in a V shape, such as the presidential seal. Pete Hegseth reveals the new Department of War branding. pic.twitter.com/tTrxLH21s1— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) October 5, 2026 It’s worth noting that the seal’s eagle has remained in the horizontal position since 1949, when the DOD was first created, with an approval last year to change the seal’s title to reflect the proposed DOW name. The seal’s design is of…