Hegseth promises to reinstate, repay troops who refused COVID vaccine

During the confirmation hearing for defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Hegseth vowed to reinstate and reimburse troops who were dismissed for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine years ago. The statement came amid unrelated questions about diversity and discrimination policies in the military.

Hegseth said past Pentagon policies that required the vaccine were a form of religious discrimination.

The Defense Department mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all troops from August 2021 to January 2023 with limited exceptions for medical issues or religious objections. About 8,000 troops were forced out for refusing the order.