Urgent: Dem Veterans Slam Hegseth for Endangering U.S. Troops

UPDATE: Democratic veterans in Congress are raising alarms over Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accusing him of putting U.S. troops in imminent danger through alarming missteps involving military operations and communication protocols. A damning report from the U.S. Pentagon inspector general reveals that Hegseth improperly shared sensitive Yemen war plans using the unsecured messaging app Signal, raising serious concerns about operational security.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), an Air Force veteran, stated, “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’s remarks highlight the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that no one, especially the Secretary of Defense, should be communicating classified information through unsecured channels.

The report also uncovers allegations that Hegseth authorized unlawful military strikes in the Caribbean, intensifying outrage among veterans. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) condemned the actions, declaring, “It is incredibly offensive. This President, this SecDef, is willing to throw you under the bus.” Duckworth, who lost her legs in Iraq, underscored that responsibility rests with Hegseth, regardless of any attempts to delegate authority.

In a surprising twist, Hegseth took to social media to shift the blame to Admiral Mitch Bradley, stating, “Admiral Bradley is an American hero… I stand by him.” This statement followed a controversial mission on September 2, where a second strike was ordered on a boat in the Caribbean, raising serious questions about the legality of military actions.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) criticized Hegseth’s pattern of deflecting accountability, stating, “No leader worth their salt pushes responsibility off on a subordinate.” He emphasized that any orders given by Hegseth that violate the laws of war must be thoroughly investigated.

Democratic leaders are now calling for Congress to pass an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to prevent further unauthorized strikes, with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) warning of the potential repercussions: “We risk putting service members in physical danger, but we also risk putting them at legal risk.”

The fallout from Hegseth’s actions is profound, with veterans and lawmakers alike questioning his competency and calling for accountability. Houlahan urged the President to reconsider Hegseth’s position, asking, “At what point does the President recognize that and ask for his resignation?”

As this situation develops, the safety of U.S. troops hangs in the balance, prompting urgent discussions about military oversight and accountability at the highest levels. The implications of “Signalgate” and the Caribbean strikes could redefine military engagement strategies moving forward.

Stay tuned for updates as this critical story unfolds.