Hegseth’s Promise To Wounded Knee Soldiers

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a bold, historic announcement Thursday evening, officially declaring that the U.S. soldiers who fought in the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee will keep their Medals of Honor — ending decades of political debate and cancel culture attempts to rewrite American history.

Speaking in a powerful video message posted on X, Hegseth left no room for doubt:

“As Defense Secretary, I want to leave no doubt — the brave soldiers who fought at Wounded Knee will keep their Medals of Honor, and we are standing firm in our belief that they earned those medals through their service and sacrifice,” Hegseth declared. “This is a final decision. Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their rightful place in American history will never be questioned again. We honor their memory, we respect their legacy, and we will always remember what they gave to this nation.”

Biden’s Pentagon Tried to Rewrite History

This decision reverses an effort launched in July 2024 under then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Biden administration had appointed a five-member panel to review the soldiers’ medals, arguing that the awards needed to be reexamined for “modern standards.”

Critics blasted the move as political correctness run wild, claiming it was a dangerous attempt to erase history and vilify American soldiers who served over a century ago.

Hegseth revealed that the Pentagon’s own review panel had recommended in October 2024 that the soldiers rightfully keep their medals. However, Austin refused to act.

“Former Secretary Austin, for whatever reason — and I think we all know why — chose to ignore the panel’s recommendation,” Hegseth said. “He was more interested in being politically correct than historically correct, leaving these heroes’ legacies trapped in limbo. That ends today.”

The Battle of Wounded Knee: What Really Happened

The Battle of Wounded Knee took place in December 1890, during a time of intense conflict between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. The Army’s 7th Cavalry Regiment was tasked with enforcing a ban on the Ghost Dance, a Native spiritual practice that authorities believed was fueling rebellion.

When U.S. troops attempted to disarm a group of Lakota Sioux near Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota, a shot rang out — sparking chaos. In the firefight that followed:

• At least 250 Lakota men, women, and children were killed
• 25 U.S. soldiers lost their lives, many due to friendly fire amid the confusion

While historians have debated the event for more than a century, veterans and military scholars maintain that the soldiers were following orders during a highly dangerous and volatile situation.

Restoring America’s Heritage

This is not the first time Pete Hegseth has taken decisive action to defend America’s history and honor its veterans. Earlier this year, he ordered the restoration and refurbishment of a Confederate memorial at Arlington National Cemetery — a monument removed under the Biden administration.

Hegseth’s latest move sends a strong message to Washington and the American people:

“America will not erase its history or dishonor those who served,” Hegseth said. “This is about respect — respect for the men who wore the uniform and for the truth of our nation’s past.”

Why This Matters to America’s Future

For conservatives and patriots across the country, this decision represents more than just medals. It’s a direct stand against the forces of cancel culture, revisionist history, and political agendas that seek to tear down America’s heritage.

Hegseth’s actions align closely with President Donald Trump’s vision of restoring pride in the U.S. military, protecting veterans, and preserving the values that built this nation.