Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Dec 4: Barely months after surviving a razor-thin Senate confirmation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth finds himself at the centre of a raging political storm — one that could determine his future at the Pentagon.
The former Fox News host, appointed by President Donald Trump, has been under mounting scrutiny for his leadership style and recent actions. A Pentagon inspector general report delivered to lawmakers on Wednesday revealed that Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app to discuss pending military operations in Yemen had put missions and personnel at risk — an episode now known as “Signalgate”.
However, pressure intensified over a September 2 special operations strike off the coast of Venezuela. According to reports, a second strike allegedly targeted survivors of an attack on a suspected drug-running vessel — a move lawmakers and legal experts warn may constitute a breach of international law and the rules of armed conflict.
“These are serious charges,” Senate Armed Services Committee chair Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) affirmed, signalling strict oversight in the coming days.
Democrats have gone further, calling the operation an “extrajudicial killing.” Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) claimed the action amounted to a war crime and demanded Hegseth step down immediately.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer decorated with Bronze Stars for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, has defended his decision, citing the “fog of war” and stressing that no survivors were visible when the second strike was ordered. He has consistently advocated for a more aggressive “warrior culture” across the US military, criticising what he describes as “stupid rules of engagement”.
But his bold approach is now dividing lawmakers. Some Republicans, including Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), who served three decades in the Air Force, have questioned his suitability. Yet others — such as Vice President JD Vance and Senator Eric Schmitt — have stepped forward to back him, dismissing criticism as politically motivated.
Tensions escalated further when Hegseth responded to early reports of the strike by posting a meme of cartoon character Franklin the Turtle firing from a helicopter — a move that drew outrage from Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer labelled him a “national embarrassment” and demanded the release of “full, unedited tapes” of the operation.
Congressional armed services committees have since launched a formal investigation. Navy Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley — reported to have issued the second strike order — is expected to testify in closed-door sessions later this week.
As the controversy deepens, questions over accountability and wartime conduct threaten to overshadow Hegseth’s tenure. Democratic leaders argue this crisis was inevitable, pointing to the contentious confirmation process earlier this year that involved allegations of misconduct, mismanagement, and concerns over temperament.
“You don’t suddenly change your character when you’re confirmed,” Senator Tim Kaine said. “The stakes just become higher — and far more dangerous.”
With Congress now asserting rare bipartisan oversight against the Trump administration, the fate of the Pentagon chief hangs in the balance — setting the stage for a dramatic political showdown in Washington.