On January 25, 2025, Pete Hegseth was sworn in as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense, a decision that has sparked unprecedented debate and scrutiny. A former Fox News host, Army National Guard veteran, and conservative commentator, Hegseth’s appointment by President Donald Trump has been met with both fervent support and fierce opposition.
His tenure, though only a few months old as of June 2025, has already cemented his reputation as the most controversial Secretary of Defense in U.S. history due to his lack of experience, polarizing views, allegations of personal misconduct, and chaotic leadership at the Pentagon.
Hegseth’s appointment was controversial from the start due to his lack of qualifications for such a critical role. The Department of Defense oversees 3.4 million civilian and military personnel and manages an $850 billion budget, making it one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world. Historically, Secretaries of Defense like Robert Gates or Leon Panetta brought decades of experience in government, often having led large agencies like the CIA.
In contrast, Hegseth’s background is limited to his service as a major in the Army National Guard, where he served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, and his time as a media personality. Critics, including former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, have argued that this inexperience is a significant liability, especially given the Pentagon’s role in managing global conflicts, nuclear arsenals, and disaster relief operations. Hegseth’s lack of senior leadership experience has led many to question his ability to handle the immense responsibilities of the position, with some calling him the least qualified nominee in American history.
Beyond his inexperience, Hegseth’s nomination was overshadowed by serious allegations of personal misconduct. During his Senate confirmation hearing, which required a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance to pass, Hegseth faced accusations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement. A 2017 incident in Monterey, California, where Hegseth paid a $50,000 settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault, drew significant attention. Although he denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual, the settlement and related police reports raised doubts about his character. Additionally, a whistleblower report from his time leading veterans’ organizations like Concerned Veterans for America alleged that Hegseth was frequently intoxicated on the job, engaged in sexist behavior, and mismanaged funds to the point of near bankruptcy. An affidavit from his former sister-in-law further claimed that his second wife feared for her safety due to his aggressive behavior and excessive drinking. These allegations, which Hegseth dismissed as “anonymous smears,” painted a troubling picture of a man unfit to lead the world’s most powerful military.
Hegseth’s political and ideological stances have also fueled controversy. A vocal critic of what he calls “woke” policies in the military, Hegseth has advocated for dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, arguing that they undermine military readiness. He has also expressed opposition to women serving in combat roles, a position that conflicts with established policy since the Pentagon lifted the ban on women in front-line combat in 2013. His views on military justice are equally contentious; Hegseth has supported pardoning service members accused of war crimes, including Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, and has criticized the Geneva Conventions as outdated. These positions have alarmed many in the defense community, who fear that Hegseth’s leadership could erode ethical standards and put U.S. troops at risk of reprisal from adversaries.
Since taking office, Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by chaos and further controversy. In April 2025, reports emerged that he shared classified information about airstrikes in Yemen via Signal, a messaging app, with his wife, brother, and lawyer, prompting an investigation by the Pentagon inspector general. This incident led to the White House reportedly considering his replacement, though Trump publicly stood by him. Hegseth’s leadership has also seen the abrupt firing of senior aides and a 20% reduction in four-star officers, moves that critics like Senator Jack Reed argue could “cripple” the military rather than improve efficiency. Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot, who resigned in protest, described the situation as a “full-blown meltdown” of infighting, further highlighting the dysfunction under Hegseth’s command.
Public sentiment, as reflected in various posts on X, has been overwhelmingly negative. Polls indicate that Hegseth is the least popular Secretary of Defense since Donald Rumsfeld in 2006, with 76% of Americans—and even 56% of Republicans—disapproving of his use of Signal for classified communications. His confirmation process, which saw unanimous opposition from Senate Democrats and three Republicans, underscored the deep divisions his appointment has caused.
In conclusion, Pete Hegseth’s tenure as Secretary of Defense is the most controversial in U.S. history due to his lack of qualifications, serious allegations of misconduct, polarizing views, and chaotic leadership. As the Pentagon navigates complex global challenges, from the Russo-Ukrainian War to tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the risks posed by Hegseth’s inexperience and controversial decisions continue to raise alarm among lawmakers, military experts, and the public alike. Whether he can overcome these challenges or will succumb to the mounting pressure remains to be seen, but his impact on the Department of Defense is already indelible—and deeply divisive.
