{"id":185,"date":"2025-12-08T19:25:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T19:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thriveimmunityus.com\/?p=185"},"modified":"2025-12-08T19:55:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T19:55:02","slug":"trumps-pentagon-chief-under-fire-as-scandals-mount","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thriveimmunityus.com\/?p=185","title":{"rendered":"Trump\u2019s Pentagon Chief Under Fire as Scandals Mount"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth closes his eyes as he stands by US President Donald Trump (not pictures), in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 21, 2025.PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON:<\/strong>
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth<\/strong> is facing intensifying scrutiny as multiple scandals converge, raising questions about his future in the Trump administration and fuelling bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hegseth \u2014 a former Army National Guard major and ex\u2013Fox News co-host \u2014 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<\/strong> and his use of the messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations<\/strong> have amplified calls for his resignation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strikes on Drug Boats Spark Outrage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retired US Marine colonel Mark Cancian<\/strong>, now a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hegseth\u2019s troubles have converged into a single political storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe’s in another difficult position. In fact, his two big problems have now merged,\u201d Cancian said.
\u201cBut he seems to retain President Trump\u2019s confidence, even as he\u2019s lost support of some Republicans. So I don\u2019t think he\u2019s in a fatal situation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signal Chat Raises Security Alarms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The scandals escalated further after The Atlantic<\/em> revealed that its editor-in-chief had been accidentally added to a Signal group chat<\/strong> where Hegseth and other officials discussed an upcoming US operation in Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Hegseth shared the timing of strikes<\/strong>, hours before they occurred<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • He mentioned aircraft and missile types<\/strong> involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The messages were exchanged on Signal<\/strong>, a commercial encrypted app not approved for classified communications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The Pentagon\u2019s inspector general<\/strong> launched an investigation, concluding in a report released Thursday that Hegseth\u2019s actions could have caused \u201cpotential harm to US pilots.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A History of Controversy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hegseth entered his job with a long trail of allegations behind him, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Accusations of financial mismanagement<\/strong> at veterans\u2019 nonprofits<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Reports of heavy drinking<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A past allegation of sexual assault<\/strong> in California<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      These controversies resurfaced during his confirmation process, but the Trump administration pushed ahead, citing his loyalty and media influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Increasing Pressure Inside Washington<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Former Pentagon official Jim Townsend<\/strong>, who served under the Obama administration, said Hegseth is \u201con thin ice\u201d and becoming a political liability for President Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cTrump has a secretary of defense that is giving him lots of headaches,\u201d Townsend said.
      He added that while immediate removal is unlikely, Hegseth could be forced out if a new scandal \u201creally riles up the Republican Party\u201d or embarrasses Trump\u2019s Make America Great Again<\/strong> movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Yemen Operation Under the Microscope<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The Yemen strikes \u2014 part of a wider US effort targeting hostile groups in the region \u2014 have now triggered deeper oversight. Lawmakers are demanding transparent reviews of targeting procedures, rules of engagement, and the Pentagon\u2019s adherence to international law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The inspector general\u2019s findings have intensified criticism from both Democrats and a growing number of Republicans who fear Hegseth\u2019s conduct may jeopardize military operations and expose the Pentagon to legal vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Despite mounting pressure, Hegseth remains in office \u2014 shielded for now by Trump\u2019s confidence, but increasingly isolated within Washington\u2019s national security establishment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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