# Controversies surrounding Pete Hegseth > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversies-surrounding-pete-hegseth > Updated: 2026-09-04T18:09:36.000Z. Sources: 82. Developments: 3. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has faced significant public and diplomatic criticism following a series of controversial statements and social media activity. In late August, Hegseth faced calls for resignation after using a transphobic slur during remarks at the Iowa State Fair. While defending a $1.5 trillion budget and advocating for a ‘warrior ethos’ over DEI priorities, his comments were condemned by Democratic lawmakers and media figures. Senator Ed Markey described the remarks as ‘abhorrent,’ while CNN’s Jake Tapper stated the term used is ‘obviously a slur.’ By early September, the controversy expanded to international relations after Hegseth shared a social media post regarding the Vernon Cadets in Canada. The post, which included a Canadian flag and the comment ‘this is real,’ was perceived as derogatory toward female cadet instructors and has been criticized for appearing to body shame the individuals in the image. The post garnered nearly 10 million views and nine million comments. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the post was ‘beneath their office,’ and British Columbia Premier David Eby called the incident an ‘embarrassment,’ characterizing it as a sign of ‘bizarre leadership.’ Vernon MP Scott Anderson censured Hegseth for insulting Canadian non-combatants, and actor George Clooney expressed shame over the lack of decency shown. In response, Canadian General Jennie Carignan expressed solidarity with the affected service members. New reports suggest the incident may have been instigated by a Canadian content creator known as The Pleb, who allegedly flagged the photo for Hegseth. While The Pleb denied sole responsibility, claiming the veterans group @Vets4FreeCanada originally broke the story, columnist Wilbur Turner described the situation as a link between a domestic Canadian conservative online ecosystem and a high-level U.S. official. Despite the backlash, the Pentagon maintained that the statement ‘speaks for itself.’ ## Claims - U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shared a picture of Vernon Cadets on X with a Canadian flag and the comment ‘this is real.’ (disputed by 32 sources) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted a Pride message from the Canadian Coast Guard on X. (disputed by 3 sources) - Hegseth commented on the Canadian Coast Guard's post using only a Canadian flag emoji. (disputed by 3 sources) - Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the post is ‘beneath their office.’ (corroborated by 29 sources) - The Pentagon stood behind the statement, saying it speaks for itself. (corroborated by 29 sources) - British Columbia Premier David Eby called the post an ‘embarrassment’ and criticized U.S. leadership. (corroborated by 28 sources) - The social media post received nearly 10 million views and nine million comments. (corroborated by 24 sources) - MP Scott Anderson censured Pete Hegseth for insulting two female Canadian non-combatants. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Columnist Wilbur Turner suggested a connection between a Canadian online conservative ecosystem and the actions of U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A Canadian content creator known as The Pleb denied being the sole cause of the international incident, claiming the veterans group @Vets4FreeCanada broke the story. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Columnist Wilbur Turner alleged that The Pleb ignited the controversy by posting a screenshot of Hegseth’s tweet. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Pete Hegseth faces criticism over social media posts targeting Canada U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faces backlash for social media posts mocking Canada, including a controversial comment on a photo of Canadian cadets and a response to a Canadian Coast Guard Pride post. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pete-hegseth-controversy-involves-canadian-cadet-camp-photo ### 2026-09-01: Pete Hegseth faces Canadian backlash over social media post mocking cadets U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faces backlash from Canadian leaders and figures like George Clooney after a social media post mocking female Vernon Cadets was deemed ‘beneath the dignity’ of his office. 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pete-hegseth-draws-canadian-criticism-over-vernon-cadets-post ### 2026-08-23: Pete Hegseth faces calls for resignation after Iowa remarks Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faces calls for resignation after using a transphobic slur during a speech at the Iowa State Fair regarding military priorities and DEI policies. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pete-hegseth-faces-calls-for-resignation-after-iowa-remarks --- Cite as: Controversies surrounding Pete Hegseth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversies-surrounding-pete-hegseth