GOP Lawmaker Demands Hegseth Be Fired Now

Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican and former Air Force general, has become the first member of his party to publicly call for the dismissal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing serious concerns about his experience and recent reports of insecure communication practices. The call for Hegseth’s firing comes after a New York Times report detailing a second instance of the Secretary allegedly using an unsecured Signal app – this time with his wife and brother – to discuss sensitive attack plans related to the Houthi conflict.

Bacon, while acknowledging Hegseth’s on-air persona, questioned his qualifications for leading the Department of Defense. “I like him on Fox,” Bacon stated, “But does he have the experience to lead one of the largest organizations in the world? That’s a concern.” He characterized the alleged second instance of insecure communication as “totally unacceptable,” adding he would not tolerate such behavior if he were in a leadership position.

The Congressman emphasized the vulnerability this creates, stating Russia and China would likely target the Secretary of Defense’s phone as a primary hacking objective, second only to the President of the United States. He accused Hegseth of acting “like he’s above the law” and labeled his behavior as indicative of an “amateur.” Bacon further suggested a significant internal crisis is unfolding within the Pentagon, noting a “lot of smoke” emanating from the department.

Despite the growing criticism, former President Donald Trump publicly defended Hegseth at Monday’s White House Easter Egg Roll, dismissing the reports as a media-driven distraction. “He is doing a great job,” Trump asserted.

The situation raises serious questions about security protocols within the Department of Defense and the vetting process for high-ranking officials. While political motivations are undoubtedly at play, the core issue of safeguarding sensitive information remains paramount. The allegations, if true, represent a significant breach of security and could have severe consequences for national security. It’s a situation that demands a thorough investigation and a clear demonstration of accountability.