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

UPDATE: Democratic veterans on Capitol Hill are raising alarms over Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accusing him of jeopardizing U.S. troops amid recent scandals involving unauthorized military operations and the misuse of a commercial messaging app. This urgent development comes as a new report from the Pentagon inspector general reveals that Hegseth shared sensitive Yemen war plans via the unsecured app Signal earlier this spring.

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 a growing concern among lawmakers that Hegseth’s actions could endanger the safety of American service members.

The report details Hegseth’s controversial use of Signal, raising questions about his judgment as Secretary of Defense. Additionally, allegations have emerged that he approved unlawful military strikes in the Caribbean, intensifying calls for accountability. “It is incredibly offensive,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who lost her legs in Iraq. “This President, this SecDef, is willing to throw you under the bus.”

Hegseth’s response has fueled further outrage. On September 2, he publicly defended Admiral Mitch Bradley on social media, attempting to shift blame for a controversial second strike on a boat in the Caribbean that left survivors in peril. Critics argue this could amount to a war crime, with Duckworth emphasizing the legal and personal risks posed to service members.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) echoed these sentiments, stating, “No leader worth their salt pushes responsibility off on a subordinate.” He underscored the gravity of Hegseth’s alleged actions, asserting that delegating authority does not absolve one of responsibility.

As tensions rise, Congress is now considering an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to prevent further airstrikes off the coast of Venezuela. “We’re seeing realized a lot of the fears members had that this unauthorized campaign would result in blowback,” warned Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).

The fallout from Hegseth’s actions has sparked a fierce debate within the military and congressional circles about accountability and the safety of U.S. troops. Houlahan stated, “Secretary Hegseth has been a liability to the administration from the moment he was confirmed. At what point does the President recognize that and ask for his resignation?”

As this story develops, lawmakers continue to voice their concerns about the implications of Hegseth’s actions, calling for immediate action to protect service members and uphold military integrity. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation affecting U.S. military operations.