Pentagon Condemns Netflix’s “Boots” as “Woke Garbage"

The United States Department of Defense has issued a rare and direct rebuke of Netflix’s new drama series “Boots,” describing the show as “woke garbage” and accusing the streaming giant of pushing an “ideological agenda” through its queer military narrative. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, speaking to Entertainment Weekly, stated, “Under President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. military is getting back to restoring the warrior ethos. Our standards across the board are elite, uniform, and sex neutral because the weight of a rucksack or a human being doesn’t care if you’re a man, a woman, gay, or straight.” Wilson went on to say, “We will not compromise our standards to satisfy an ideological agenda, unlike Netflix whose leadership consistently produces and feeds woke garbage to their audience and children” .

“Boots,” which debuted on Netflix last week, stars Miles Heizer as Cameron Cope, a closeted teenager who enlists in the Marine Corps alongside his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh) in 1990—a time when being gay in the U.S. military was strictly prohibited by law. The show is inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir “The Pink Marine,” and explores the challenges and prejudices faced by LGBTQ+ service members before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2011 .

The Pentagon’s statement arrives amid broader policy shifts under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In January, an executive order led to the dismissal of transgender military service members, with the administration claiming that gender identity was “incompatible with active duty” . Secretary Hegseth has emphasized holding service members to the “highest male standard,” a position that has generated national outcry and condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.

Wilson’s comments on “Boots” also reflect a renewed push for traditional “warrior ethos” standards, which the Pentagon claims are “elite, uniform, and sex neutral.” Yet, critics argue these statements mask ongoing discrimination and exclusion faced by LGBTQ+ Americans in uniform, particularly transgender people, whose right to serve has been repeatedly challenged by executive policies .

The series itself delves deeply into the realities of Marine Corps boot camp for LGBTQ+ recruits. Cameron Cope’s narrative unfolds against a backdrop of institutional homophobia, secrecy, and the search for belonging. While the drama is set in 1990, before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, its depiction resonates with many veterans and advocates who recall the fear and isolation of serving while closeted .

Vera Farmiga co-stars as a drill instructor whose complex relationship with the recruits illuminates the broader culture of conformity and resistance within the Corps. The show’s creators, drawing on Greg Cope White’s real-life experiences, sought to humanize LGBTQ+ Marines and portray their struggles with nuance and empathy.

LGBTQ+ advocates have condemned the Pentagon’s statement as “outdated and harmful,” arguing that media representation is critical for visibility and social progress. Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD have reiterated that inclusive storytelling fosters understanding and helps combat prejudice. “Shows like ‘Boots’ remind us of the sacrifices and courage of LGBTQ+ service members, who have always been part of the armed forces despite harsh policies,” said a spokesperson for GLAAD .

Right-wing voices have amplified calls for a Netflix boycott. Notably, Elon Musk announced he had canceled his Netflix account following criticism of trans-inclusive programming by the social media account Libs of TikTok. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene similarly cited a five-year-old trans storyline in “The Baby-Sitters Club” as the impetus for her own boycott .

“Boots” arrives at a time when the history and future of LGBTQ+ military service remain hotly debated. The series highlights the era before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” when gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals faced discharge and discrimination simply for their identities. Even after the policy’s repeal in 2011 under President Obama, full equality has been elusive, particularly for transgender people whose rights have been repeatedly rolled back and reinstated depending on the administration in power .

Veterans and active-duty personnel have responded to “Boots” with a mix of praise and critique, sharing their own stories on social media and in interviews. Many note that the series accurately reflects the challenges of serving while closeted, and hope that increased awareness will drive policy change and greater acceptance within the armed forces.

As “Boots” continues to trend globally, its impact on public perception of LGBTQ+ service members is still unfolding. The show’s creators and cast have urged viewers to approach the series with empathy and curiosity, emphasizing that representation matters not only in entertainment, but in shaping the future of the armed forces.

All episodes of “Boots” are now streaming on Netflix, providing audiences an opportunity to engage with stories that have too often been silenced or ignored .