Department of Defense Featured Jake and Logan Paul
The Pentagon published a video of the influencers speaking to service members at the military headquarters.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Military
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The Department of Defense released a video featuring professional boxer Jake Paul and WWE wrestler Logan Paul as they met with U.S. service members at the Pentagon. The move sparked immediate backlash from social media users and commentators.
Why it matters
The appearance of high-profile social media influencers at a secure military facility like the Pentagon drew scrutiny regarding military outreach strategies. Many critics used the platform to challenge the brothers to enlist in the military themselves.
The Pentagon video, which is 1 minute long, features the influencers delivering motivational speeches. Officials have not released further information regarding the criteria used for selecting participants.
The players
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense is the executive department of the United States government responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the United States Armed Forces.
Jake Paul
Jake Paul is an American social media personality and professional boxer who transitioned into combat sports in 2020.
Logan Paul
Logan Paul is a well-known internet personality, podcaster, and professional wrestler currently signed to WWE.
Jim Stewartson
Jim Stewartson is a digital activist and commentator known for his large social media following on X.
The details
Jake Paul, who became a professional boxer in 2020, and his brother Logan Paul, a WWE wrestler, were filmed visiting the Pentagon. The footage prompted negative reactions from online users, including figures like Jim Stewartson, who has over 156,000 followers on X, and others who questioned why the brothers have not served in the armed forces.
Timeline
Jake Paul became a professional boxer in 2020.
The Department of Defense published the video on September 20, 2026.
Political Context
This engagement follows the protocols of the Department of Defense's social media and recruitment outreach programs. Opposition figures argue that the use of non-traditional celebrities in military settings undermines the gravity of service, leading to significant public pushback against the military's current messaging strategy.
This incident serves as a reminder of how taxpayer-funded institutions manage their public image and digital presence. Citizens are left to observe how government agencies utilize resources to engage with the public, often sparking debate regarding the appropriateness of specific celebrity partnerships.
The takeaway
The backlash highlights the tension between government institutions attempting to modernize their outreach and the public's expectations for institutional dignity. Influencer-led campaigns often carry risks when the perceived values of the creators do not align with the military's public image.
Further reading
For more on how the armed forces communicate with the public, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Raw Story.
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