Why did Jake and Logan Paul visit the Pentagon? The two creators toured the building, addressed service members and briefly met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 17, 2026, according to the Defense Department. The department has described the visit as a chance for them to thank troops, but has not publicly explained why these two guests were chosen. Video of the visit drew criticism online after it was shared.
What happened during the Pentagon visit?
The Defense Department’s original video shows Jake and Logan Paul at the Pentagon. A government photograph dated September 17 records the visit. In a statement reported by Task & Purpose on September 20, deputy Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said the brothers toured the building, visited the 9/11 memorial, thanked service members and met Hegseth briefly.
Task & Purpose reported that a Pentagon official said the brothers paid their own transportation costs for the Washington trip. The same report said Jake Paul also met Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Those details do not establish that the visit involved a formal appointment, military role or paid endorsement.
Why did it cause backlash?
The question was why the military invited two internet celebrities to address personnel in its briefing room. Al Jazeera’s September 22 report documented criticism, including former congressman Adam Kinzinger’s response to the video. The report also noted that celebrities have visited the Pentagon under multiple administrations, so the presence of public figures there is not unprecedented.
Jake Paul responded to criticism on X, saying he preferred to ask questions, learn and explore how he could help. That is his explanation of his own participation. Neither his statement nor the Pentagon’s published material answers who initiated the invitation or how the guests were selected.
Watch the original footage
This is the Defense Department’s September 17 footage, published on DVIDS on September 25. If the player does not load, watch the 72-second video at DVIDS.
For another story about a creator’s own public statement, read why Markiplier opposes GoPro’s proposed merger.
Photo: Jake and Logan Paul at the Pentagon on September 17, 2026, by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eugene Oliver, via DVIDS. The image is marked public domain. The appearance of U.S. Department of War visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
