Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has angrily denied reports he ordered a room in the Pentagon to be turned into a makeshift makeup studio, describing the claims by CBS News as "totally fake."Newsweek contacted the Department of Defense for comment on Thursday via email outside of regular office hours.Why It MattersHegseth has come under intense criticism after it emerged he was a member of two Signal groups where upcoming U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi militants in Yemen in March were discussed.The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, had been added to one of these groups, where attack plans were shared, apparently by mistake. The second Signal group, where information about F/A-18 Hornets flight schedules was posted according to The New York Times, also included Hegseth's wife and brother.The controversy has led to calls for Hegseth to be fired but President Donald Trump is currently standing by his defense secretary, who he said was "doing a great job" on Monday.What To KnowCiting multiple sources on Wednesday, CBS News reported Hegseth had ordered makeup equipment to be installed in a room adjacent to the Pentagon briefing room at the cost of several thousand dollars.This report was angrily denied by Hegseth on X, formerly Twitter, where he wrote: "1) Totally fake story. No 'orders' and no 'makeup'—but whatever."2) We should have installed tampon machines in every men's bathroom at DoD instead—the leftist 'news' media would have loved that."According to CBS News, the previously spartan green room, next to the Pentagon's briefing room, was upgraded with the installation of a large mirror complete with makeup lighting, a new countertop and a new chair by the department's in-house construction team.The network reported the proposal was initially made by Tami Radabaugh, a former Fox and CBS News producer turned deputy assistant to the secretary for strategic engagement, with support from Hegseth's wife Jennifer.Initially the refurbishment was estimated to cost over $40,000 but this was later dramatically scaled back, according to CBS News.Prior to his appointment as defense secretary Hegseth was a co-host of Fox News' Fox & Friends weekend show.What People Are SayingIn a statement provided to CBS News, a Defense Department spokesperson said: "Changes and upgrades to the Pentagon Briefing Room are nothing new and routinely happen during changes in an administration."Responding to the CBS News' report on X Laura Rozen, a foreign policy expert who used to report for Politico, wrote: "Send Pete 'warfighter' Hegseth your makeup tricks, ladies."Adam Kinzinger, a former House Republican, posted: "Super alpha warrior mindset oorah of @PeteHegseth to have a makeup studio."Speaking to Newsweek about Hegseth's Signal groups, Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of the U.S. Army Europe, said: "I see zero evidence that the President, Mr Hegseth, or frankly anyone in this Administration is actually willing to accept responsibility for any mistakes."This is dangerous because if one doesn't acknowledge a mistake, then there is little likelihood that the necessary corrections will be made to prevent it from happening again."What Happens NextHegseth is likely to face continued pressure to explain why he was involved in private Signal groups that discussed plans for airstrikes in Yemen. However, Trump shows no signs of turning against him at this point.