Tensions have surfaced within the Pentagon following significant leadership changes and a controversial focus on internal leaks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's allocation of substantial time towards a leak investigation has sparked criticism from Colin Carroll, a recently ousted Pentagon official, Fox News reported.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny by Colin Carroll, the former chief of staff at the Pentagon, who criticized Hegseth's intense focus on tracking down leaks to the media. Carroll noted that this preoccupation has diverted attention from other critical departmental activities.
President Donald Trump has supported Hegseth amidst the criticisms, suggesting confidence in Hegseth's ability to regain his focus on broader departmental responsibilities. In a statement, President Trump mentioned, "I think he’s gonna get it together. I talked with him, a positive talk, but I talked with him."
In an interview with podcaster Megyn Kelly, Colin Carroll expressed uncertainty about Hegseth's current state, stating plainly, "Honestly, I don’t know. I’m not sure." Carroll elaborated on the extent of Hegseth's focus on the leak probe by estimating that "If you look at a pie chart of the secretary’s day, at this point, 50% of it is probably the leak investigation."
Colin Carroll described the environment at the Defense Department as troubling, highlighting a culture that many perceived as challenging and even toxic. John Ullyot, a former top Pentagon spokesman, echoed this sentiment in a resignation op-ed, where he also criticized Hegseth’s leadership.
The departures of senior advisor Dan Caldwell, deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick, and Carroll were part of a broader departmental reshuffling, raising further questions about the stability within Hegseth's team.
Internal conflicts also involved Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s chief of staff, who allegedly engaged in a "turf war" that impacted his effectiveness and ultimately led to his transition to the private sector. An anonymous complaint even accused Kasper of illegal drug use, a claim he denied.
Despite the turmoil, Defense Secretary Hegseth has announced plans to proceed with prosecutions once the Pentagon’s leak investigation concludes. This move indicates a committed step towards resolving one of the most pressing issues under his tenure.
Kasper, defending the achievements under the current administration, emphasized a successful boost in military recruitment, dismissing accusations of dysfunction within the Pentagon. "That’s not dysfunction, that’s success," asserted Kasper.
Colin Carroll also addressed the perception of them being disgruntled former employees, refuting such claims by highlighting that criticisms are not driven by personal disgruntlement but by concerns for the department’s focus and efficacy. Carroll remarked about Hegseth's meeting performance, "I have observed a Pete that... crushes it in meetings."
The Pentagon shake-up and the focus on the leak investigation have led to varied opinions within and outside the department. With high-profile departures and internal disputes, the effectiveness and focus of the Department of Defense under Hegseth’s leadership continue to be subjects of public and internal debate.
This situation raises questions about the current direction of the Pentagon and its ability to handle both external threats and internal challenges effectively.
