Pete Hegseth

Under Hegseth, the Pentagon adopted a policy allowing accreditation to be withdrawn from journalists seeking unauthorised information and making access to the building conditional on acceptance of new rules. In March 2026, a federal judge concluded that provisions violated the First and Fifth Amendments and ordered access to be restored. In April, the judge criticised the Department of Defense for failing to comply properly with the initial ruling.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Directly implicated

Dan Driscoll resigned as Army Secretary in September 2026. The Associated Press and other media reported substantial tensions with Hegseth concerning Army modernisation, drones, appointments and the departure of senior officers. The resignation added to high turnover at the top of the Pentagon.

State of the evidence

Documented

Executives and journalists at Stars and Stripes challenged disciplinary measures and dismissals within the Pentagon-controlled system, arguing that they were being penalised for defending the military newspaper's editorial independence and for critical reporting.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Accused

Before his confirmation, Hegseth had stated that women should not serve in ground combat units such as infantry, artillery or special forces, arguing that their inclusion lowered standards. Once Secretary, he articulated a doctrine of the 'highest male standard' for combat roles.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Hegseth used Signal on a personal device to transmit sensitive details of US strikes against the Houthis. One group mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic; another reported group included relatives and associates. The DoD Inspector General concluded that the information was originally classified, that the use of Signal did not comply with the rules and that it created a risk to operational security and troops.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Several senior Hegseth aides were suspended or left the Pentagon during investigations into unauthorised disclosures. The episode created an impression of significant turmoil within the leadership team only months after his arrival.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Following the dismissal of several military leaders, including Chairman C.Q. Brown and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Hegseth ordered a reduction of at least 20 % in the number of active-duty and National Guard four-star officers, together with a further 10 % reduction in the overall number of generals and admirals.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Hegseth announced an overhaul of military inspectors general investigation procedures, imposing, among other things, greater control over the duration and scope of certain investigations. Lawmakers and specialists feared this could discourage complaints and whistleblowers.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

While serving in the National Guard, Hegseth was removed from the security mission for Joe Biden's inauguration after an intelligence officer flagged, among other things, his 'Deus Vult' tattoo as a symbol also used by extremist groups. The incident contributed to his decision to leave the Guard.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Attribution

Directly implicated

A woman accused Pete Hegseth of sexually assaulting her following an event in Monterey in 2017. Police investigated. The county prosecutor decided not to bring charges, concluding that guilt could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Hegseth subsequently entered into a confidential civil settlement with the accuser.

Attribution

Directly implicated

While a Fox News presenter, Hegseth played a significant public and private role in persuading Donald Trump to intervene in the cases of Clint Lorance, Mathew Golsteyn and Edward Gallagher. Trump ultimately pardoned Lorance and Golsteyn and restored Gallagher's rank, despite strong concerns within the Pentagon about the impact of such interventions on military justice.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

Former colleagues and internal documents from Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America gave rise to allegations of financial mismanagement, excessive alcohol consumption, inappropriate conduct and a hostile working environment during Hegseth's years leading veterans' organisations. These matters resurfaced during his nomination to the Pentagon.