House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly demanded the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling him as “the most unqualified Defense Secretary in American history.” In a scathing statement, Jeffries urged President Donald Trump to fire Hegseth immediately or for Hegseth to step down voluntarily, citing a series of controversies that have plagued his tenure. The call comes amid escalating criticism of Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon, particularly following a recent decision to pause weapons shipments to Ukraine, which sparked widespread backlash.
Jeffries’ remarks reflect growing frustration among Democrats with Hegseth’s performance since his appointment. The Defense Secretary, a former Fox News host with no prior experience managing a large bureaucracy, has faced accusations of mismanagement and reckless decision-making. One of the most significant controversies was the “Signalgate” scandal, where sensitive details about a planned U.S. military strike in Yemen were shared in a group chat that inadvertently included a journalist. Jeffries described this incident as “reckless and casual,” arguing that it endangered national security and potentially violated the law. The New York Democrat emphasized that Hegseth’s continued presence at the Pentagon poses a threat to U.S. troops and global stability.
The pause on Ukraine weapons shipments, later reversed by Trump, further fueled criticism. Jeffries argued that this move undermined America’s national security interests by limiting Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian aggression. The decision, reportedly made without informing Trump or other key officials, blindsided lawmakers and allies, raising questions about Hegseth’s competence. Sources indicate that the Pentagon’s internal operations have been chaotic under Hegseth, with reports of infighting, dismissals of experienced advisors, and a focus on initiatives like an “anti-woke” purge of the military, which critics say distracts from critical defense priorities.
Hegseth’s defenders, including some Republicans, have downplayed the controversies, arguing that he is implementing Trump’s agenda. However, even within the administration, there are signs of tension. Reports suggest Trump has sidelined Hegseth on key decisions, such as military actions against Iran, consulting four-star generals instead. This has led to speculation about Hegseth’s future, with some predicting he could be the first major Trump appointee to be fired. Despite denials from White House and Pentagon spokespersons, who claim Hegseth retains Trump’s confidence, the mounting pressure from Democrats and negative media coverage may force a reckoning.
Jeffries’ outspoken criticism marks him as the highest-ranking Democrat to demand Hegseth’s ouster, amplifying the political stakes. His comments also reflect broader concerns about the Trump administration’s foreign policy, particularly its approach to Ukraine and Russia. As the war in Ukraine continues, Jeffries stressed the importance of unwavering U.S. support, warning that any perceived weakness could embolden adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin. Whether Hegseth will survive this firestorm remains uncertain, but Jeffries’ blunt call for his resignation has intensified scrutiny on the embattled Defense Secretary, raising questions about his ability to lead the Pentagon effectively in a time of global uncertainty.
