US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing immense pressure after a Pentagon watchdog report linked him to using the Signal app to leak sensitive details of Yemen airstrikes.
While the allegations mount over his order for a 'double-tap' strike on survivors of a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard major, became the leader of the most powerful military in the world under the Trump administration.
Hegseth is reportedly alleged to have ordered secondary military strikes on survivors of an initial boat attack in the Caribbean, while he is also accused of sharing classified military plans before the attacks on Houthis in Yemen. Hegseth is in trouble. His two big issues have now merged,” said Mark Cancian, a retired US Marine colonel and senior analyst of the US defence policy.
Cancian said, “Despite the accusations, he seems to enjoy President Donald Trump’s backing despite losing some republican support.” Hegseth is also wanted in two different cases, one that alleges him to have embezzled funds meant for the welfare of veterans, and the other includes him in assaulting a woman in California after being intoxicated.
Also Read: Trump directs Pentagon to boost deterrence against Russia, China
The most important case happened when he mistakenly shared military plans with one of the editors of a US magazine. The leaked information involved the timing, assets, and type of ordnance to be used during Yemen strikes. Democratic lawmakers have asked for his resignation, calling him a “misfit” to run the world’s most powerful military force.
However, the Republican Party, particularly President Donald Trump, appears less concerned with the allegations. Trump has dismissed the controversies as a “witch-hunt”. "If there's another one after this...the White House might lose its patience," warned Cancian, describing the controversies as "very embarrassing".
Also Read: Pentagon says Hegseth’s signal use put Yemen mission at risk
Follow us
