UPDATE: Democratic veterans in Congress are sounding alarm bells, accusing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth of jeopardizing U.S. troops through reckless actions. A new report from the Pentagon Inspector General highlights Hegseth’s unauthorized sharing of sensitive military plans via the unsecured messaging app Signal, raising serious concerns about national security.
In a shocking statement, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), an Air Force veteran, condemned Hegseth’s actions, asserting, “He shared information he shouldn’t have in a way that he shouldn’t have, and the consequences are that our military could be compromised.” Houlahan emphasized the gravity of the situation, questioning, “Is that the kind of person that we want to be the Secretary of Defense?”
The Pentagon report reveals Hegseth’s involvement in controversial military decisions, including alleged unlawful strikes in the Caribbean. This has enraged many veterans and lawmakers. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who lost her legs in Iraq, expressed outrage, stating, “It sends a message that this President, this SecDef, is willing to throw you under the bus.” Duckworth criticized Hegseth for shifting responsibility, a sentiment echoed by multiple members of Congress.
On social media, Hegseth attempted to deflect blame, declaring his support for Admiral Mitch Bradley, who led a contentious operation on September 2. Reports indicate that during this mission, a second strike was ordered against a boat in the Caribbean, resulting in survivors left in perilous conditions. Legal experts suggest this action could amount to a war crime, a claim Hegseth denies.
“This is scandalous,” Duckworth remarked, highlighting the risks posed to service members. “We’re violating international laws of armed conflict, putting service members in legal jeopardy.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) condemned Hegseth’s behavior, stating, “No leader worth their salt pushes responsibility off on a subordinate.” He emphasized the need for accountability, underlining the importance of transparency in military operations. Kaine and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) are now advocating for Congress to pass an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to prevent further unauthorized strikes.
Schiff warned, “We risk putting service members in physical danger, but we also risk putting them at legal risk.” The implications of Hegseth’s actions are profound, raising questions not only about the safety of troops but also about the integrity of military leadership.
As this situation unfolds, Democratic leaders are calling on President Donald Trump to take action against Hegseth. Houlahan stated, “At what point does the President recognize that and ask for his resignation?” The mounting pressure from veterans and lawmakers alike signals a potential reckoning for the Secretary of Defense.
With tensions escalating, all eyes are on Capitol Hill as Congress grapples with the fallout from Hegseth’s controversial decisions. The looming question remains: How will this impact U.S. military operations moving forward? Stay tuned as this urgent story develops.
