Time for Hegseth to Go: A Call for Accountability

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth set a clear standard during his confirmation hearing: leaders should be chosen and held accountable based on performance and merit. Now, it’s time for him to live up to that standard. Based on his actions and decisions, it’s evident that Hegseth is not fit for the job and poses a risk to national security. It’s time for him to resign, or for the President to remove him.

Key Takeaways

• Secretary Hegseth’s own words from his confirmation hearing highlight the need for accountability based on performance and merit.
• Multiple incidents, starting from the beginning of his tenure, demonstrate his unsuitability for the role.
• His decision-making and disregard for established protocols endanger national security.
• The "Signal Gate" incident and the "double tap" controversy raise serious questions about his judgment and adherence to regulations.
• A shift towards a "kill first, ask questions later" mentality undermines the rule of law and moral authority.

The "Signal Gate" Controversy

One of the earliest issues that raised concerns was the "Signal Gate" incident. A Pentagon Inspector General report indicated that Hegseth risked troops by using his personal signal messages. While his spokesperson claimed this report exonerated him, leaked information suggests otherwise, pointing to the release of classified information. Military regulations are clear: personal phones and unclassified communication apps are not to be used for official business, especially when dealing with classified information. Had any other service member done this, especially during active operations, they would face severe consequences, likely jail time. Yet, nothing happened to Hegseth. The claim that he has declassification authority and can simply declare information declassified is a weak excuse. Everyone involved, including high-ranking officials, knew this was a violation of protocol. This incident, and others like it, show a pattern of behavior where Hegseth seems to believe he is above the law and regulations.

The "Double Tap" and the Erosion of Law

The "double tap" incident, where survivors of an initial strike were allegedly targeted again, is another major concern. Reports suggest that after the initial strike, two survivors were still alive and potentially communicating. The justification given was that they were "still in the fight" and "valid targets." This explanation is problematic, especially considering international laws and military regulations that prohibit killing wounded or incapacitated individuals. The attempt to retroactively justify this action by labeling the individuals as "narco-terrorists" is a dangerous tactic. Terrorism involves intent to murder and cause terror for political objectives. While drug trafficking is illegal, it is not the same as terrorism. Applying the logic used in this incident – that anyone involved in the drug trade is a terrorist and can be killed with impunity – would logically extend to every person in the supply chain, from the transporter to the dealer. This is an absurd and dangerous overreach that ignores due process and the rule of law.

The Danger of Devaluing Life

There’s a disturbing trend of devaluing human life, particularly when it’s not "ours." This is evident in the casual acceptance of killing individuals without proof of them being an active threat. Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show that a significant percentage of interdicted vessels were not carrying illicit contraband. If the policy had been to simply "blow them to smithereens," many innocent people would have been killed. This "kill first" mentality, often justified by labeling individuals as terrorists, erodes our moral authority and turns us into the very kind of actors we condemn. It’s easier to push a button and kill than to follow due process, but this path is destructive to our values and our standing in the world.

The Consequences of Weakening Moral Authority

When we disregard the rule of law and devalue human life, we lose our moral authority. This makes it harder for other nations to cooperate with us and ultimately harms our own interests. The current policies, driven by a desire for convenience over diligence, are not effective in stopping the drug trade. History shows that such efforts often fail and can even exacerbate the problem. By acting as a bully and a thug, we alienate allies and undermine the principles that America stands for. It is imperative that Secretary Hegseth be held accountable for his actions and that the U.S. recommits to upholding the rule of law, both at home and abroad.