WASHINGTON:
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intensifying scrutiny as multiple scandals converge, raising questions about his future in the Trump administration and fuelling bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill.
Hegseth — a former Army National Guard major and ex–Fox News co-host — was already a controversial pick when he narrowly secured Senate confirmation earlier this year. Now, fresh revelations surrounding deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats and his use of the messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations have amplified calls for his resignation.
Strikes on Drug Boats Spark Outrage
The most damaging scandal involves US strikes on suspected narcotics smugglers, including an incident in which survivors of an initial attack were reportedly killed in a follow-up strike. The events have prompted outrage from lawmakers and human rights advocates who accuse the Pentagon of mishandling the mission.
Retired US Marine colonel Mark Cancian, now a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hegseth’s troubles have converged into a single political storm.
“He’s in another difficult position. In fact, his two big problems have now merged,” Cancian said.
“But he seems to retain President Trump’s confidence, even as he’s lost support of some Republicans. So I don’t think he’s in a fatal situation.”
Signal Chat Raises Security Alarms
The scandals escalated further after The Atlantic revealed that its editor-in-chief had been accidentally added to a Signal group chat where Hegseth and other officials discussed an upcoming US operation in Yemen.
According to the report:
- Hegseth shared the timing of strikes, hours before they occurred
- He mentioned aircraft and missile types involved
- The messages were exchanged on Signal, a commercial encrypted app not approved for classified communications
The Pentagon’s inspector general launched an investigation, concluding in a report released Thursday that Hegseth’s actions could have caused “potential harm to US pilots.”
A History of Controversy
Hegseth entered his job with a long trail of allegations behind him, including:
- Accusations of financial mismanagement at veterans’ nonprofits
- Reports of heavy drinking
- A past allegation of sexual assault in California
These controversies resurfaced during his confirmation process, but the Trump administration pushed ahead, citing his loyalty and media influence.
Increasing Pressure Inside Washington
Former Pentagon official Jim Townsend, who served under the Obama administration, said Hegseth is “on thin ice” and becoming a political liability for President Trump.
“Trump has a secretary of defense that is giving him lots of headaches,” Townsend said.
He added that while immediate removal is unlikely, Hegseth could be forced out if a new scandal “really riles up the Republican Party” or embarrasses Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.
Yemen Operation Under the Microscope
The Yemen strikes — part of a wider US effort targeting hostile groups in the region — have now triggered deeper oversight. Lawmakers are demanding transparent reviews of targeting procedures, rules of engagement, and the Pentagon’s adherence to international law.
The inspector general’s findings have intensified criticism from both Democrats and a growing number of Republicans who fear Hegseth’s conduct may jeopardize military operations and expose the Pentagon to legal vulnerabilities.
Despite mounting pressure, Hegseth remains in office — shielded for now by Trump’s confidence, but increasingly isolated within Washington’s national security establishment.