Calls for resignation intensify as Pentagon chief Hegseth faces two major scandals

Pete Hegseth is confronting the gravest challenge of his tenure as defense secretary, facing allegations of war crimes in the Caribbean and a scathing inspector general report accusing him of mishandling classified military information. Despite bipartisan calls for his resignation, Hegseth remains in office and continues to enjoy former President Donald Trumps support.

The controversies surround two separate but overlapping incidents that critics say demonstrate reckless decision-making at the Pentagon. Democratic lawmakers renewed calls for his removal following reports that survivors from a September boat strike were intentionally killed in a double-tap attack. Concurrently, a Pentagon investigation concluded Hegseth violated protocol by sharing sensitive operational details via the Signal messaging app hours before airstrikes in Yemen.

The Caribbean campaign has drawn attention due to extrajudicial strikes targeting suspected drug traffickers, which have killed at least 87 people across 22 attacks since September. The Trump administration defended the operations as crucial in curbing fentanyl trafficking, claiming each destroyed vessel prevents thousands of American deaths. Experts, however, argue that most fentanyl enters the U.S. overland from Mexico rather than by sea from Venezuela.

The legality of the strikes was questioned after it was revealed that two men survived the initial attack on September 2, yet a lethal follow-up strike was ordered. Hegseth initially denied the reports but later acknowledged the core details, stating he acted in the fog of war without observing the operation's outcome. Senator Patty Murray, Democratic vice-chair of the Senate appropriations committee, called for his dismissal, highlighting risks to U.S. personnel and a pattern of recklessness.

The New Democrat Coalition also condemned Hegseth, labeling him incompetent, reckless, and a threat to the lives of the men and women in the armed forces. Coalition leaders accused him of evading responsibility, misleading the public, and scapegoating subordinates.

Criticism has also come from security experts questioning the strategic logic of the Caribbean operations. Jake Braun, a former White House national security official, noted the focus on the Caribbean as being far from the main trafficking routes in Mexico. Civilian monitoring group Airwars urged greater transparency on the strikes, questioning why military force was used over rescue efforts for shipwrecked survivors.

The Pentagon struggled to clarify the chain of command for the attacks. Initial statements suggested Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the follow-up strike, but Hegseth later stated Bradley acted with authorization yet independently. Trump claimed he was unaware of the operations details and suggested he would not have approved a second strike.

The inspector general report additionally found Hegseth violated Pentagon rules by sharing precise airstrike details on Signal using an unclassified device, risking operational security and failing to retain records as required by law. The report concluded that this could have endangered U.S. pilots. Hegseth, however, asserted on social media that he had not shared classified information and claimed to be cleared.

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced concerns. Senator Rand Paul suggested Hegseth either misled Congress or was unaware of the boat strike details, while Congressman Don Bacon questioned his suitability for the role. Inside the Pentagon, Hegseths tenure has seen internal dysfunction, including leaks, staff purges, and chaotic management, raising further doubts about his leadership.

Despite these controversies, Trump and the White House continue to publicly support Hegseth. With the Senate under Republican control, significant consequences appear unlikely. The administration maintains that the Caribbean operations target vessels tied to designated terrorist groups, though evidence has not been publicly disclosed. Legal experts dispute the administrations justification for military action without congressional approval.

Hegseth recently signaled no intention to step down, stating that military actions against narcotics trafficking have only just begun, while noting a temporary pause due to difficulty locating targets. A new strike resulting in four fatalities was reported shortly thereafter.

Author: Aiden Foster