Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office instructed the Pentagon to adopt a passive approach to Juneteenth messaging, resulting in the cancellation of planned online content. This directive is part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense, a policy reflected in the removal of historical content celebrating Black, Latino, and women veterans. This action follows previous removals of articles celebrating figures like Jackie Robinson and the Tuskegee Airmen. The Army’s Juneteenth commemoration article was also deleted, although a press release acknowledging the holiday remains.
Read More
During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to deny the existence of Pentagon plans for potential military action in Greenland, responding vaguely to pointed questions from Representative Mike Turner. Hegseth’s evasive answers followed previous statements by the Trump administration expressing interest in acquiring Greenland, even suggesting the use of force. This refusal to definitively rule out an invasion aligns with the administration’s history of considering military options for territorial acquisitions, as evidenced by past discussions regarding the Panama Canal. The ambiguity surrounding these plans has fueled speculation about the true extent of U.S. intentions towards Greenland.
Read More
Rep. Don Bacon confirmed a one-day pause in U.S. cyber operations against Russia during February 2024 negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, contradicting previous Pentagon denials. This pause, typical during such negotiations, was first reported by The Record and later confirmed by multiple U.S. officials to CBS News. The Pentagon’s subsequent denial, issued via its newly created rapid response X account, was labeled a lie by Rep. Eugene Vindman. Bacon’s statement marks the first on-the-record acknowledgment of the directive.
Read More
Rep. Don Bacon confirmed a one-day pause in U.S. cyber operations against Russia in February 2024, during ongoing peace negotiations, contradicting previous Pentagon denials. This pause, while typical during diplomatic efforts, was described by sources as lacking specificity in its directive. The Pentagon’s subsequent statement denying any such pause has been criticized as misleading, highlighting a pattern of the department bypassing traditional media outlets and attacking critical reporting. Bacon’s testimony marks the first on-the-record acknowledgment of the directive.
Read More
Facing turmoil in Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon office, the White House intervened, rejecting Hegseth’s choice of Marine Col. Ricky Buria as chief of staff. Buria’s limited experience, involvement in office drama, and failure to pass a polygraph test during a leak investigation contributed to the White House’s decision. Instead, the White House will select its own candidate, a move deemed unusual but intended to protect Hegseth and stabilize the department. Hegseth will retain Buria as a senior advisor as part of a compromise. This intervention is significant, given the office’s role in key defense policy decisions and the department’s substantial budget.
Read More
The Pentagon drafted a briefing for Elon Musk detailing over two dozen highly classified weapons systems designed for a potential war with China. This proposed briefing encompassed exceptionally sensitive Special Access Programs (SAP) information, the most tightly controlled and sensitive data within the Department of Defense.
The planned briefing raised significant concerns among Pentagon officials, particularly regarding ethical implications. The nature of the information involved, combined with Musk’s business interests in China and past controversies, fueled these concerns. The sheer volume and sensitivity of the classified weaponry information intended for disclosure highlighted the gravity of the situation.
Concerns escalated further due to Musk’s known ties to China and his history of controversial public statements.… Continue reading
The New York Times reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified information, including flight schedules for a Yemen military operation, in a second private Signal chat containing family members and his attorney. This revelation follows a previous leak to the editor of The Atlantic, prompting renewed calls for his resignation from Democratic Senators like Tammy Duckworth and Elizabeth Warren. The White House, however, continues to support Hegseth, contradicting accounts from a former Pentagon spokesman who described a chaotic and untruthful atmosphere within the department. Hegseth’s actions risk national security and further undermine confidence in the Pentagon’s leadership.
Read More
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vehemently denied allegations of leaking sensitive war plans via Signal, accusing reporters of peddling “hoaxes” based on anonymous sources. This incident follows a previous controversy involving similar disclosures on the messaging app. Hegseth’s outburst occurred at the White House Easter Egg Roll, with his family present, as he defended his actions and criticized the media. His recent purging of Pentagon aides and facing criticism from a former spokesman further highlight the ongoing turmoil within the Department of Defense.
Read More
Despite a narrow Senate confirmation, Pete Hegseth’s tenure as Defense Secretary has been marred by controversy. He has twice shared sensitive attack plans via unsecured Signal chats, including with family members. This followed the firing of three senior Pentagon officials under unclear circumstances, prompting accusations of mismanagement and sparking widespread criticism. While the White House staunchly supports Hegseth, mounting evidence suggests his leadership is deeply flawed and facing increasing scrutiny.
Read More
President Trump prevented Elon Musk from attending a classified Pentagon briefing on potential military action against China due to concerns about Musk’s extensive business ties in the country. Although a meeting between Musk and Defense Secretary Hegseth proceeded, the China-related issues were omitted. Trump publicly denounced the news reports as false, and Hegseth subsequently launched an inquiry into the leak, resulting in the suspension of two Pentagon officials. Trump’s decision, while demonstrating his continued regard for Musk, highlighted potential conflicts of interest.
Read More