Unfit for Command: Why Pete Hegseth Can’t Lead the Pentagon
America’s military deserves a leader with integrity, not a partisan talking head
Let’s be honest: hosting a Fox News show is great if you’re gearing up for a book tour, but it’s not exactly the training ground for running the Department of Defense. While Pete Hegseth served honorably in the military, his more recent career as a TV commentator has been marked by divisive rhetoric and partisan attacks.
The Secretary of Defense is one of the most critical roles in our government. This position isn’t about politics — it’s about leading the men and women of our armed forces, protecting our nation, and upholding the principles that have made our military the most respected in the world. It demands leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of defense strategy. No matter from what angle you look at it, Pete Hegseth is not the right person for the job.
Top 5 Reasons to Oppose Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary
No Defense Leadership Experience: Hegseth lacks the expertise required to manage the Pentagon’s massive budget, global operations, and strategic challenges. His background as a TV commentator, activist, and officer does not prepare him to lead any massive enterprise, let alone the Department of Defense.
Serious Allegations of Misconduct: Hegseth has faced allegations of sexual assault and abuse, including from his own mother, who publicly called him an “abuser of women.” These allegations raise grave concerns about his fitness to lead an institution built on discipline, respect, and accountability.
Hostile and Inappropriate Workplace Behavior: A whistleblower report from his time at Concerned Veterans for America described Hegseth as frequently intoxicated at events and creating a sexually inappropriate and hostile work environment. Such behavior is incompatible with the high ethical standards required to lead the Department of Defense.
Inflammatory Rhetoric and Judgment Issues: Hegseth’s divisive public statements and focus on culture wars over substantive defense issues distract from the serious responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense.
Partisan Over Principle: Hegseth’s history of prioritizing political loyalty over impartial leadership risks politicizing the military, undermining its nonpartisan integrity and public trust.
Leadership in the Pentagon requires the ability to unite, not divide. It requires someone who can build trust with service members, allies, and the American public — not someone seen as prioritizing political loyalty and inflammatory statements.
We need someone who’s spent a majority of their career bettering the frontlines — not the front row of a studio audience — making tough calls that actually matter, not just stirring up ratings.
One of the most troubling aspects of Hegseth’s career is his lack of substantive experience in managing the complexities of modern defense. The Department of Defense oversees an $800+ billion annual budget, global military operations, and cutting-edge technology that ensures our security. National security isn’t about catchy one-liners or yelling over your guests; it’s about strategy, experience, and knowing what to do when the stakes are life or death.
The Secretary of Defense must serve the nation’s best interests, not the political interests of any one leader. This role requires clear-eyed decision-making, especially in times of crisis. Hegseth’s record suggests he is more interested in being a loyalist than in being a steward of national security.
Our military is one of the most trusted institutions in America. It deserves a leader who embodies its values: service, integrity, and accountability. The appointment of Pete Hegseth risks politicizing the Department of Defense, weakening the trust of our allies, and undermining the morale of our troops.
This is about more than politics. It’s about the safety of our country, the strength of our armed forces, and the example we set for the world. America’s military deserves a leader who will rise above partisanship and lead with honor.
We must demand better. Our service members — and the American people — deserve a Secretary of Defense who will protect our nation, not divide it.