Knives Out
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing growing internal opposition from Vice President J.D. Vance, Republican lawmakers, and military officials due to his handling of the war with Iran, personnel purges, and unprofessional conduct, including arranging a helicopter joyride for Kid Rock. Critics accuse him of misrepresenting the war's progress, depleting military resources, and undermining Pentagon leadership. Tensions are mounting ahead of the midterms, with some hoping his removal could mitigate political fallout. Despite the backlash, Hegseth remains aligned with President Trump, who appears to support his actions.
- ▪Pete Hegseth has drawn criticism for authorizing a U.S. Army helicopter joyride for right-wing celebrity Kid Rock during an active war with Iran.
- ▪Vice President J.D. Vance and his allies are reportedly pushing to remove Hegseth over concerns he is misrepresenting the war and undermining military leadership.
- ▪Hegseth has purged over a dozen senior military officials, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Navy Secretary John Phelan, raising alarm among Republicans and defense experts.
- ▪U.S. military stockpiles of key missile defense systems have been significantly depleted since the war began, according to CNN and NBC News reports.
- ▪Republican lawmakers and military insiders are increasingly critical of Hegseth’s leadership, fearing damage to national security and electoral prospects in the upcoming midterms.
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Boiling Frogs Knives Out Trump world comes for Pete Hegseth. Nick Catoggio / April 28, 2026 Loading Illustration by Noah Hickey/The Dispatch (Photo via Getty Images). Illustration by Noah Hickey/The Dispatch (Photo via Getty Images). Audio Audio Turn any article into a podcast. Upgrade now to start listening. Text Size Members can share articles with friends & family to bypass the paywall. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Threads Email 0 Open and scroll to the comments section You’re reading Boiling Frogs, Nick Catoggio’s daily newsletter on politics. To unlock the full version, become a Dispatch member today.
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