Overview

• Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary, faltered while attempting to say 'E pluribus unum,' the Latin phrase meaning 'Out of many, one,' during a speech in Stuttgart, Germany.
• The incident occurred as Hegseth discussed the Trump administration's policies, including the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in government institutions.
• Hegseth emphasized a return to 'basic principles' and pledged to treat all service members equally, regardless of race, gender, or background.
• The speech drew attention to the administration's controversial actions, including renaming Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, honoring a Confederate general known for owning enslaved people.
• The phrase 'E pluribus unum' was the United States' national motto before being replaced by 'In God We Trust' in 1956.