Following an investigation into leaks, three top Pentagon aides were placed on leave and subsequently terminated, with some intending to sue for wrongful termination. Simultaneously, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff resigned, though remaining within the department, amid reports of personality clashes and a lack of loyalty amongst staff. These personnel changes have caused significant internal turmoil and criticism of Hegseth’s leadership, with concerns raised about the department’s functionality. The leaks themselves involved sensitive military information, including operational plans and intelligence briefings.
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Following an unauthorized disclosure investigation, two Pentagon officials, senior advisor Dan Caldwell and Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, were placed on administrative leave. The investigation, prompted by a March memo from Hegseth’s chief of staff, involves potential leaks of classified information. Caldwell is reportedly accused of sharing classified documents with journalists, and the probe follows reports of Hegseth’s involvement in communications regarding military actions. Further personnel actions are under consideration.
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Twelve students are suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the head of the Pentagon school system for violating their First Amendment rights through widespread book bans targeting titles on race and gender. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU, alleges that this censorship, stemming from Trump-era executive orders, harms students’ education and access to critical information. The bans affect DoDEA schools globally, impacting curriculum and even yearbook content. The plaintiffs seek the immediate reinstatement of removed books and curriculum materials.
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Following a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the deployment of US troops confirmed by Donald Trump, Panamanian opposition parties have accused the US of a “camouflaged invasion,” citing the establishment of a US military presence at former US bases. While the Panamanian government claims the agreement is temporary and doesn’t violate national sovereignty, opposition leaders contend this constitutes a de facto military base, sparking widespread protests and legal action. These actions, coupled with opaque negotiations and conflicting statements from both governments, have fueled public anger and distrust in President Mulino’s handling of the crisis. The situation has reignited painful memories of past US military intervention and threatens Panama’s sovereignty.
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Following a meeting with Panamanian President Mulino, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the US commitment to securing the Panama Canal against perceived Chinese threats, citing concerns over Chinese-controlled ports near the canal and potential surveillance activities. Hegseth highlighted strengthened US-Panama defense cooperation to counter these threats, while China’s embassy in Panama accused the US of using “blackmail” and interfering in Panama’s sovereign decisions. Despite Panama’s denials of Chinese influence over canal operations, the ongoing situation reflects heightened US-China tensions surrounding the canal’s security and control. The sale of a Hong Kong consortium’s stake in the canal ports to a consortium including BlackRock Inc. is expected to shift control to a US-linked entity.
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Pentagon acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins will review Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal app to discuss a Yemen military strike, including whether it violated DoD policies and classification rules. The review, prompted by Senatorial request, also examines other officials’ use of the app for official communication. The investigation follows the inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in a Signal group chat detailing the strike’s timing. Concerns center on the potential compromise of classified information and non-compliance with records retention laws, despite administration claims no such information was shared.
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During his first Asia trip, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed Japan’s crucial role in deterring Chinese aggression, announcing the upgrade of U.S. Forces Japan to a “war-fighting headquarters.” This upgrade, coupled with accelerated joint missile development and maintenance efforts, aims to strengthen combined military capabilities. The strengthened partnership addresses Japanese concerns about U.S. commitment under the “America First” policy and bolsters defenses in the Southwestern islands near Taiwan. This collaboration emphasizes a shared commitment to peace while preparing for potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
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A recent poll reveals that a majority of registered voters (54%), including more Republican voters (38%) than those wanting him to stay (33%), believe that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should resign. This follows the revelation that Hegseth, along with other Trump administration officials, shared sensitive military information with a journalist accidentally added to a group chat. The ensuing controversy, involving the discussion of a Yemen airstrike and disparaging remarks about Europe, has fueled calls for resignations. Despite President Trump dismissing the incident as a “glitch,” the poll highlights significant public disapproval of Hegseth’s handling of classified information.
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Republican Senators James Lankford and Roger Wicker have called for an investigation into a Signal group chat where White House national security officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed sensitive military information with a journalist present. The inquiry will focus on how a reporter gained access to the chat and the appropriateness of using an unencrypted app for sensitive communication. While some Republicans have joined Democrats in demanding resignations, Lankford believes calls for Hegseth’s resignation are excessive. The incident involves potentially classified details about a planned Yemen attack.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, attended two high-level meetings involving sensitive national security discussions with foreign military counterparts, raising concerns about protocol and security. These meetings included a session with the UK defense secretary at the Pentagon and another at NATO headquarters in Brussels. While spouses occasionally attend official events, former defense officials cited the unusual nature of a spouse’s presence in such sensitive discussions. The incidents follow criticism of Hegseth’s handling of classified information in a leaked Signal chat, prompting a Senate inquiry.
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John Q. Hosedrinker