Washington, D.C. – The Republican Party is witnessing a dramatic rift as Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), a former Air Force general, publicly calls for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This escalating feud highlights the profound crises of confidence within the GOP as the 2026 midterms approach.
Growing Calls for Accountability
Bacon intensified his criticism of Hegseth during an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press NOW, where he cited Hegseth's alleged role in suspending vital weapons transfers to Ukraine without informing President Trump. This shocking breach of protocol adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Hegseth, including the infamous "Signalgate" scandal, where sensitive military plans were mishandled in unsecured communications.
Hegseth's Leadership Under Fire
According to reports, Bacon's call for Hegseth's removal stems from two major incidents that have raised serious questions about Hegseth’s judgment. The first incident, dubbed "Signalgate," involved the sharing of highly sensitive military plans in unsecured Signal group chats, including those involving Hegseth’s family and an Atlantic journalist. Bacon remarked, "He should have taken responsibility, admitted he made a mistake, but instead he doubled down, blamed the journalists, and denied there was a problem with putting sensitive data on an unclassified system." This kind of negligence not only compromises national security but also shakes the very foundation of military trust.
Hegseth confirmation hearing: Full text of his opening statement
Unilateral Actions and National Security Risks
The second controversy involves Hegseth's unilateral decision to pause weapons shipments to Ukraine, a move that was authorized by Congress and signed into law by the previous administration. Bacon asserted that this action was undertaken without Trump’s knowledge, causing embarrassment on the world stage. "The Secretary of Defense should show better judgment here," Bacon emphasized. Such reckless decision-making could severely undermine U.S. credibility abroad, further complicating America's foreign policy as it navigates a precarious geopolitical landscape.
Internal GOP Divisions Intensify
Bacon's criticisms signal a seismic shift within the Republican ranks. His decision not to run for re-election has seemingly liberated him to speak more candidly against Hegseth and Trump's administration. Other GOP lawmakers, such as Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have echoed Bacon's sentiments, with Tillis expressing regret over supporting Hegseth's confirmation and labeling his Pentagon operations as "amateurish." This growing discontent suggests a potential fracture in GOP support for Hegseth, indicating that even loyalists are beginning to question Trump's appointments.
Two years after Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, protesters gather in Washington D.C.
The Broader Implications for GOP and National Security
The implications of this internal GOP conflict extend beyond party politics. Hegseth's handling of sensitive military information raises alarms about the administration's competency and accountability, particularly in light of the upcoming midterm elections. The pause in weapons transfers to Ukraine, which defied congressional intent, has drawn criticism from national security experts who warn that it could embolden adversaries and weaken allies. The potential for a bipartisan backlash against Hegseth's actions is palpable, especially as the GOP grapples with its identity amidst the ongoing Trump era.
As this saga unfolds, the loyalty of GOP lawmakers to Trump will be tested, and the ramifications for Hegseth’s future remain uncertain. Trump has not publicly addressed Bacon’s demands, but his history of dismissing disloyal or underperforming officials could factor into Hegseth’s fate. The controversies surrounding Hegseth are not just about one man’s failures; they reflect a broader crisis of leadership that endangers national security and threatens the party's electoral prospects.
