Not long after, reports emerged of a significant flu outbreak at Lackland, with ABC News noting more than 150 cases and later coverage saying the number topped 200, including some hospitalizations. The spike prompted military leaders to reinstate flu shots for basic trainees and expand requirements for certain deployments and essential roles.
On Morning Joe June 24, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski mocked Hegseth’s quick backtrack — Scarborough quipped, “That didn’t last long, did it, Pete?” — and critics flooded social media with barbs urging troops and the public to get vaccinated.