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Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed strong criticism on Sunday regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asserting that he has contributed to “chaos” within the Pentagon amidst staffing changes and controversies related to communications about airstrikes in Yemen.
“Pete Hegseth was not equipped for the position of Secretary of Defense, a reality he has repeatedly demonstrated,” Shaheen stated during her appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
Hegseth, a former Army veteran and Fox News host, faced significant scrutiny during his confirmation earlier this year, emerging as one of President Trump’s most controversial appointments. Despite this, he was confirmed by the Senate in a tightly contested vote. Recently, however, Hegseth has found himself under heightened scrutiny over his use of the encrypted messaging app Signal.
Reports emerged last week that Hegseth disclosed details about upcoming U.S. airstrikes in Yemen within a private Signal group chat that included personal connections such as his wife and attorney. This was the second incident involving Signal, following an earlier breach where a journalist was accidentally included in a discussion concerning the timing and targets of a planned strike against Houthis.
CBS News revealed that Hegseth’s office had implemented a system allowing him to access Signal while at work, reportedly bypassing standard security measures of the Defense Department. However, a Defense Department spokesperson countered that Signal is not currently being utilized in Hegseth’s office.
Amid these controversies, several political appointees at the Pentagon have either resigned or been dismissed, leaving Hegseth with diminished staff support.
Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, contended that Hegseth’s actions reflect his inadequacy for the role, criticizing him for disseminating sensitive information over Signal and failing to maintain appropriate staff. She accused him of fostering “chaos that is now affecting our uniform military,” adding that he has not taken accountability for his decisions.
“For those under his command, it is evident that he lacks the qualities of a role model and leader we urgently need,” Shaheen remarked.
In response to Shaheen’s claims, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell shifted the focus to the previous administration. He characterized the current disorder at the Pentagon as a continuation of issues stemming from events like the Afghanistan withdrawal, which he argued undermined service member morale. Parnell also pointed to president Biden’s leadership as a contributing factor to global conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and attacks on U.S. interests in the region.
“Throughout all of this tumult, not a single individual was dismissed or held accountable, and Sen. Shaheen remained silent,” Parnell asserted. “Secretary Hegseth is restoring accountability and a focus on military readiness. The American public prioritizes results, and thus far, Secretary Hegseth has performed excellently.”
In March, the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Chairman, Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, announced a bipartisan initiative seeking an expedited investigation into the Signal chat leak. Shaheen emphasized the importance of this bipartisan effort, expressing optimism for forthcoming recommendations.
The GOP-controlled Senate Armed Forces Committee had advanced Hegseth’s appointment in January, receiving opposition from Shaheen and fellow Democrats. A notable aspect of his confirmation was Vice President JD Vance’s decisive vote, marking a first in history where a vice president broke a tie for the position of Defense Secretary.
In response to the ongoing criticism, Hegseth asserted that recent leaks have prompted unfounded negative coverage. “A few individuals may be let go, and suddenly there’s a wave of attack pieces,” he stated. “We are revitalizing the Defense Department, shifting focus back to warfighters, and the grievances of disgruntled former staff regarding outdated issues hold little weight.”
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