The Pentagon has strongly denied an NBC News report that claimed military leaders were considering a new recruiting campaign linked to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told Fox News Digital that the report was “100% wrong,” criticizing NBC for publishing false claims based on anonymous sources without direct knowledge of the recruitment task force’s activities. The Pentagon further accused the media of creating lies to undermine the current administration, emphasizing that recruitment efforts are proceeding under strong leadership, with many Americans volunteering to serve.
NBC’s article had quoted unnamed officials stating that Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Anthony Tata, was leading discussions on a national “call to service” recruiting initiative. Potential campaign slogans included “Charlie has awakened a generation of warriors,” and Turning Point USA chapters were mentioned as possible recruitment hubs. Some officials were reportedly concerned that such a campaign might be seen as “exploiting” Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated earlier this month. His funeral involved significant figures including former President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other senior officials. The Pentagon has reached out to NBC for further comment on its denial, but NBC did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital at the time of the report.
This denial comes amid heightened scrutiny of social media posts by service members concerning Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with the Pentagon taking a firm stance against any posts mocking or celebrating the killing. Several service members have faced suspensions or investigations due to their social media activity related to the incident. The Department of War continues to emphasize zero tolerance for such behavior within its ranks.