Concerns Over Politicization
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has publicly accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of attempting to politicize the U.S. military. Speaking on ABC News’ ‘This Week’, Kendall stressed he had never observed such attempts to influence the military politically as practiced by Hegseth. He warned that these actions are affecting the entire chain of command.
Kendall’s comments came in the wake of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation and growing criticism of senior personnel choices at the Pentagon. Reports also emerged about a search for replacements for Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, which Hegseth denied.
“It’s causing people to be afraid and refuse, and, in many cases, I think he’s not getting good advice,” Kendall stated. “Long-term serious damage is being done to our military.”
Fear Among Officers
According to Kendall, Hegseth’s dismissal of senior officers and his influence over promotions are creating fear within military ranks. “He’s fired around 25 senior officers,” Kendall noted. “He’s removing people from promotion lists.” As a result, many officers hesitate to speak openly, fearful of repercussions.
These comments follow a series of controversies about how Hegseth has reshaped leadership at the Pentagon. Several prominent military leaders have either been removed or resigned, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles Q. Brown Jr.
Implications of Driscoll’s Resignation
The resignation of the former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has intensified concerns about the stability of Pentagon leadership. Driscoll’s departure reportedly stemmed from persistent clashes with Hegseth over senior personnel decisions.
Criticism of Hegseth has crossed political lines. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, who previously supported Hegseth’s appointment, urged for new leadership that would empower military talent. Representative Don Bacon, a former Air Force brigadier general, also voiced disapproval of Hegseth’s personnel management.
Kendall Warns on Political Climate
Kendall placed emphasis on the duties of military officers to speak out against improper actions, especially as midterm elections approach. He raised alarms over weakening institutional checks within the government.
“There’s an obligation on our officers to tell senior political leaders the truth,” Kendall emphasized. He expressed worry over the absence of guardrails that ensure ethical conduct.
Hegseth, defending his actions, insisted that the personnel changes were aimed at enhancing readiness and aligning with Trump’s agenda. He categorized the reports of internal strife as overstated.