Tucker Carlson: Pentagon rebukes Fox host for attacking 'feminine' military

The Pentagon has condemned a Fox News host who called efforts to support female soldiers "a mockery of the US military".

Tucker Carlson, one of the most popular hosts on the network, attacked the measures during his Tuesday programme.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Mr Carlson's programme "essentially demeaned the entire US military" and he hoped he would realise his error.

Other top brass, as well as veterans' groups, have also rebuked Mr Carlson.

It follows comments President Joe Biden made on International Women's Day, in which he talked about making it easier and safer for more women to join and stay in the military.

Mr Carlson, who hosts the conservative network's highest rated programme, used part of his show to deride military "maternity flight suits" and recent updates to Army and Air Force hair regulations that Mr Biden mentioned.

"Pregnant women are going to fight our wars," he said. "It's a mockery of the US military."

"While China's military becomes more masculine as it's assembled the world's largest navy, our military, as Joe Biden says, needs to become more feminine," Mr Carlson opined.

Despite his comments, pregnant service members are not authorised to fly in combat. The maternity flight suits have been in development since last year and are intended to be worn during day-to-day duties.

Senior members of the military denounced Mr Carlson's comments as demeaning to women.

General Paul Funk, who leads the Army Training and Doctrine Command tweeted that "thousands of women serve honourably every day around the globe".

"They are beacons of freedom and they prove Carlson wrong through determination and dedication," he wrote. "We are fortunate they serve with us."

Major General Patrick Donahoe posted a video of himself "conducting a re-enlistment for one of the tens of thousands of women who serve in our Army".

"Just a reminder that @TuckerCarlson couldn't be more wrong," he said.

Pentagon spokesman Mr Kirby said he hoped the commentator would "realise the mistake he made and express some regret about the manner in which he essentially demeaned the entire U.S. military and how we defend and how we serve this country."

The Pentagon would not take military advice from Mr Carlson in any case, he said.