Hegseth kicks off ‘Send Me Tour’ amid Iran war backlash

U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has begun a military outreach initiative called the 'Send Me Tour,' starting with an appearance in Texas. During the opening, Hegseth referenced a line from the Book of Isaiah — "Whom shall I send?" — echoing the biblical response, "Here am I. Send me." The phrasing framed the itinerary as a call to service for military personnel and supporters.

The tour launch comes against a backdrop of declining public approval for Hegseth, whose net favourability has fallen to a reported -24 points. That rating represents a record low for the defence secretary and reflects growing public frustration tied to the ongoing Iran war.

Officials have presented the tour as an outreach to troops and communities, though the timing has drawn attention because it coincides with heightened scrutiny over the administration's handling of the conflict with Iran. The launch event in Texas served both symbolic and practical outreach purposes as Hegseth visits military constituencies.

Observers noted the combination of religious language and military messaging as part of the tour's tone, while public opinion metrics underscore the political pressures surrounding Hegseth's role amid the war-related backlash.