Former Pentagon Official Calls for Trump to Dismiss Hegseth Amid Chaos

A recent departure from the Pentagon has prompted a former senior official to urge President Donald Trump to consider removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from his position. The official characterized the current situation within the military leadership as marked by total chaos and significant dysfunction.

John Ullyot, who served as a senior communications official at the Pentagon, penned an op-ed for a major news outlet, in which he emphasized that the dysfunction surrounding Hegseth’s leadership has become a distraction for the president, who deserves more competent guidance from his senior officials.

Ullyot stated that Trump has a proven track record of holding his top officials accountable. Given that background, he expressed skepticism about how much longer Hegseth could maintain his role in such a tumultuous environment.

His departure from the Pentagon occurred just last week as Ullyot opted out of continuing as second-in-command to the chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell.

Significant Shake-Ups

Ullyot’s critique comes on the heels of a major shake-up at the Pentagon. On Friday, three aides who were regarded as Hegseth’s most loyal advisors were dismissed. Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick were abruptly let go, prompting Ullyot to label the purge as strange and baffling.

Adding to the turmoil, chief of staff Joe Kasper, known to have frequent disputes with the three ousted aides, also exited, as confirmed by multiple defense officials.

Ullyot gave a stark assessment by stating, “In short, the building is in disarray under Hegseth’s leadership.” He acknowledged his initial support for Hegseth but noted that the previous month had culminated in what he called a full-blown meltdown within the Pentagon. This situation, he argued, poses a real problem for the administration.

Controversial Discussions Surface

The timing of these leadership changes coincided with revelations of a second Signal chat, in which Hegseth allegedly discussed plans to strike targets associated with the Houthis in Yemen. This chat reportedly included discussions with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.

In this context, reports indicated that Hegseth conversed about flight schedules for military operations involving F/A-18 Hornets, raising concerns about the nature of the discussions that mirrored previous conversations involving Trump Cabinet members.

Responding to the ongoing scrutiny over these conversations, Parnell remarked, “Another day, another old story.” He stressed that no classified information was exchanged in any of the Signal chats, regardless of the surrounding media narratives.

Culture of Drama and Distraction

Ullyot’s op-ed painted a bleak picture of the Pentagon’s current environment. He stated that the ongoing disruptions have shifted focus away from critical military operations. Instead, endless internal drama has taken center stage.

Given this unrest, Ullyot argued that the president deserves far better than the current mismanagement taking place at the Pentagon. He suggested that many within Hegseth’s inner circle would quietly applaud if Trump decided to act swiftly to remedy the ongoing disturbances at the Department of Defense.

Reactions from Trump Allies

The op-ed generated considerable backlash from Trump allies online, with some expressing strong criticism towards Ullyot. Donald Trump Jr. took to social media, declaring Ullyot’s stance as unaligned with the America First agenda and suggesting his expulsion from the movement.

Jason Miller, a Trump advisor, echoed similar sentiments, stating that any individual repeating Democratic talking points no longer supports the president or his agenda.

Support from the White House

In light of the criticism against Hegseth, the White House has publicly reaffirmed its support. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt communicated the president’s strong backing of Hegseth, describing him as a leader doing a phenomenal job at the Pentagon.

Leavitt suggested that the challenges faced by Hegseth stem from a culture within the Pentagon resistant to the significant changes the administration is striving to implement.

Hegseth’s Defense Against Criticism

Hegseth himself has dismissed the criticism and the reports surrounding the Signal chat. He attributed the negative narratives to disgruntled employees and anonymous smears aimed at undermining his leadership.

In response to reporters, he emphasized the ongoing battle against what he calls fake news media, asserting that the claims are the result of a targeted campaign against him.

A Call for Reflection in Leadership

The unfolding dynamics within the Pentagon raise important questions about leadership and accountability at the highest levels of government. As the administration navigates these turbulent waters, careful evaluation of key personnel may prove crucial for restoring order and focus within the military hierarchy.

In times of significant global challenges, the effectiveness of military leadership is paramount. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on the Trump administration and its response to the growing frustrations voiced by former officials and allies alike.