Hegseth promises to fix barracks, but work could take time

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has pledged to tackle longstanding issues with U.S. military barracks that have frustrated troops, lawmakers, and taxpayers for decades.

In a recent social media post, Hegseth flipped through a 118-page Government Accountability Office report from 2023 that detailed problems with military barracks, where the most junior enlisted service members reside.

“For far too long, this department has failed too many of our warfighters,” Hegseth said. “Every member of our joint force deserves housing that is clean, comfortable and safe.”

Update on the Barracks Task Force. pic.twitter.com/46KBNFTFz7— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 26, 2025

The 2023 GAO report drew attention to sewage backups, mold, inoperable fire safety systems, broken heating and air condit...