Pete Hegseth is consolidating power in the Pentagon. Controversies and resistance in the army
As noted by the Washington Post on Saturday” The power struggle culminated in the abrupt dismissal of Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who criticized Hegseth and his deputy for taking over decisions regarding key ship and submarine programs. The decision to remove Phelan was made immediately when his critical comments reached the ministry's management.
This was not an isolated case. “WP” reminds that The commander of the Air Force Staff, General David Allvin, also resigned from his position, which is seen as part of a broader strategy to remove high-ranking commanders who show resistance to the new line of management. Sources describe this as a manifestation of the progressive centralization of power over the army in the hands of civilian leadership.
The changes include not only armament programs, but also limiting the autonomy of the types of armed forces. The Pentagon chief's influence extends to personnel promotions and the communication policy of field commanders.
— All power was taken away from the uniformed men and 100 percent. handed over to political appointees, said one of the American officials quoted by the Washington daily.
The Signalgate scandal and Hegseth's image problems
A Pentagon spokesman assured that Hegseth is focused on implementing Trump's “America First” strategy, which involves, among other things, with the elimination of elements of DEI policy (diversity, equality and inclusion), promoting increasing the participation of representatives of minorities and marginalized groups in army structures. The current authorities consider this approach harmful to the cohesion and combat readiness of the army.
Some administration and Pentagon officials criticize Hegseth's management style, highlighting personal conflicts, a tendency to self-promotion and controversial personnel decisions. Uncertainty is growing among professional military personnel, and some officers are considering leaving the service early, emphasized “WP”. Critics warn that such a strong concentration of power may have negative, long-term consequences for the previously apolitical functioning of the military.
Citing observers of the political scene, “WP” predicts that although Hegseth's position currently seems secure, the balance of power in the administration may change suddenly. The future of the Secretary of Defense will depend on the further course of military operations and the results of the November elections to Congress, the newspaper emphasized.
