As Donald Trump edges closer to a decision on whether to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been reportedly been excluded from high-level deliberations. “Nobody is talking to Hegseth,” an official told The Washington Post.
Despite early involvement, Hegseth’s role appears to have diminished over time, especially following the fallout from “Signalgate”—an incident in which he reportedly shared sensitive information regarding an incoming attack against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in a group chat that had mistakenly included a journalist.
Now, as Israel bombards Iranian nuclear facilities and Trump weighs joining the offensive, Hegseth is out of the team is advising him: JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine.
Although the Pentagon has claimed Hegseth remains closely involved, three current U.S. officials confirmed that key briefings and war planning are being led by Generals Kurilla and Caine, with no operational coordination involving Hegseth or his staff.
This has been interesting to watch: Hegseth is apparently running against the grain or considered untrustworthy. Gabbard is expressing contrary opinions to the media. Tucker Carlson is part of the media resistance on this issue. Marjorie Taylor Greene is also opposed to the extent that she tries for express thought.
It’s a who’s who of people that carry water for Russia in the U.S. Of course Russia doesn’t want the U.S. at war with its primary military partner and missile/drone supplier. Sorta funny and sad to see all of them so desperately crawl out of the shadows to reveal their real masters.