President Donald Trump is reportedly growing weary of the controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has not actively defended him against claims of incompetence. This development comes as a report from The Atlantic reveals a diminishing number of supporters for Hegseth within the administration. Trump is also said to be displeased with congressional Republicans who are leveraging the situation to challenge the White House.
One prominent critic is Rep. Don Bacon, who recently stated that Hegseth’s decisions have “ruined his credibility.” In an interview with Politico, Bacon expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the need for accountability, particularly following the incident referred to as “Signalgate.” He remarked, “What I really wanted to see was someone take responsibility. Own to a mistake.” Hegseth had previously claimed “total exoneration” after a review by the Pentagon’s inspector general, which examined allegations that he disclosed sensitive operational information regarding U.S. airstrikes in Yemen.
The inspector general’s investigation found that Hegseth shared details from a document marked Secret/NOFORN, indicating that the information should not be shared with foreign nationals. Although Hegseth has the authority to declassify information, the report revealed no documentation confirming he had done so prior to posting the sensitive details. Critics, including Bacon, have condemned Hegseth’s assertions, with Bacon labeling them as “total baloney.” He added, “I have better words for it, but you can’t say it on TV.”
Calls for Accountability Intensify
In addition to Bacon, Sen. Rand Paul has also voiced concerns regarding Hegseth’s actions. Paul has called for Hegseth to testify “under oath” about a controversial strike against an alleged drug boat that occurred in September. After reviewing footage of the incident, Paul stated that the distressing images of individuals on those boats should be shown to the American public.
Other lawmakers have echoed similar sentiments. Democratic Rep. Jim Himes, who serves as the top lawmaker on the House Intelligence Committee, expressed shock following a briefing on the matter. He remarked on the distinguished career of Admiral Mitch Bradley, who was involved in the incident, highlighting the need for respect for military officials amid the ongoing scrutiny.
The combination of internal dissatisfaction and external criticism places Hegseth in a precarious position as he navigates the fallout from these allegations. As more voices emerge from both sides of the aisle, the pressure on Trump to address the situation and clarify his stance on Hegseth’s fitness for the role of Defense Secretary continues to mount.
With tensions rising within Congress and the administration, the implications of Hegseth’s actions could have far-reaching effects on U.S. military operations and public trust in leadership. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as lawmakers seek accountability for the decisions made during the controversial airstrike incidents.
