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Controversies surrounding Pete Hegseth

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2026-09-04 21:50 UTC → 2026-09-06 10:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.’

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