Questions about Pete Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon are growing as military officials depart and concerns mount over U.S. readiness during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki argued Hegseth was never qualified for the role and said the loss of senior generals, admirals and other experienced Pentagon leaders has weakened the department at a dangerous moment.
Republican strategist Bill McCoshen pushed back, noting that the secretary of defense is intentionally a civilian-led position and that Hegseth does have military and combat experience. McCoshen said removing officials simply because they disagree with leadership would be a mistake, but cautioned that the public may not know the full story behind the turnover.
