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Trump torpedoes Waltz, will Defence Secretary Hegseth be next?
After exit from National Security Council, pressure grows on Pentagon chief, implicated in two leaked classified chats and under scrutiny for wife’s role
The first victim of the Trumpian ‘purges’ in the new administration is Michael Waltz, former Congressman and National Security Advisor, who was forced out after the ‘Signalgate’ scandal. But now the focus shifts to Pete Hegseth, the current Secretary of Defence, who according to sources within the Republican Party could be the next to go.
This is reported by The Hill, which tells of the discontent of several senators over the exit of Waltz, who is considered more qualified and reliable than Hegseth. The latter, a former face of Fox News, was implicated in spreading attack plans against the Houthis via an unprotected Signal chat, in which a journalist was also involved.
The weight of two Signal scandals and an unwieldy wife
But it is not only the security incident that puts Hegseth at risk. The Pentagon chief is alleged to have run a second family chat, also on Signal, sharing sensitive information with his brother, his lawyer and his wife, all of whom have roles related to the Department of Defence.
It is the role of Jennifer Hegseth, the secretary’s third wife, that raises new concerns. The woman travels with him, attends confidential meetings with foreign leaders and would have a growing influence on her husband’s political agenda. According to one Republican senator, ‘if he continues to be a distraction, I bet they’ll get rid of him’, explaining that President Trump’s tolerance for destabilising situations is much lower today than in his first administration.
Vance defended him on the Senate floor, but pressure mounts
The defence secretary also recently fired three key members of his staff, including his own chosen deputy chief of staff. This has reinforced the impression of chaotic management of the department.
Yet, Hegseth has a high political profile and, above all, was strongly supported by Trump and Vice President JD Vance, whose decisive vote secured his confirmation in the Senate. However, three Republican senators – Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and former leader Mitch McConnell – voted against along with the Democrats.
Thom Tillis, another critical senator, finally gave his yes vote only after receiving a personal letter from Hegseth, in which he addressed allegations of problems with alcohol and alleged sexual abuse.
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