KJS DC 4.26

Let’s review the resume of America’s wartime Secretary of Defense.

Former Fox News host. Largest organization he ever led: a 40-person platoon — if it was fully staffed. Largest budget he ever managed: approximately $18 million — which was in financial distress while he was in charge. He now oversees 3 million personnel and an $825 billion budget. During an active war.

Since the Iran war began, Hegseth has removed, forced into retirement, or blocked promotions for more than a dozen senior military officers — combat-tested commanders with decades of experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Gulf War. The Army Chief of Staff. The Chief of Naval Operations — the first woman to hold that post. Two other Army generals. Gone.

Nine US officials told NBC News that officers appeared to be targeted based on their race, gender, or perceived alignment with the Biden administration.

So while Iran is trading strikes with the US Navy, while 13 service members are dead, while the Strait of Hormuz is blockaded and oil is at $116 a barrel — the Secretary of Defense is conducting a feelings-based purge of his own command structure.

“When people see Pete Hegseth randomly firing generals and admirals with hundreds of years of cumulative experience, our enemies — especially in Tehran right now — have to be delighted,” said Joe Scarborough.

Day One of War College: Be on the same page. Have a plan. Don’t fire your generals mid-campaign over hurt feelings.

Meanwhile, House Democrats introduced six articles of impeachment against Hegseth today — abuse of power, war crimes, politicization of the armed forces, and conduct bringing disrepute upon the United States military.

The Pentagon’s own “Soldier for Life” program just honored Senator Tammy Duckworth — a combat pilot who lost both legs when her Black Hawk was hit by an RPG in Iraq, a Purple Heart recipient, a woman Hegseth says has “no place in combat roles.”

“Our military could not go to war without the 220,000-plus women who serve in uniform,” Duckworth said.

We are literally at war. Right now. And the man running it thinks the problem with the US military is too many women and not enough loyalty pledges.

That’s not strength. That’s the most insecure possible response to a position you know you didn’t earn.

Pete Hegseth is the guy who got picked last in gym class and is now cutting everyone who runs faster than him.

Real leaders build trust up and down the chain of command. They don’t fire the people who know more than they do. They don’t run a personnel purge during a shooting war because a general once served under a different president.

The troops deserve better. The country deserves better.