Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing criticism for a Pentagon-produced video that watchdogs say looks a lot more like campaign material than official messaging. The six-minute clip, posted to social media as Hegseth fights to keep his job after Republicans’ midterm losses, features him outside the Pentagon touting his record, defending the Iran war, praising President Trump, and swiping at Democrats and GOP critics pushing for his ouster.
Hegseth’s office admits Defense Department staff made the video but won’t say what it cost or how it was vetted. Groups including CREW and Common Cause argue it likely breaches bans on taxpayer-funded propaganda, lobbying, and partisan politicking under the Hatch Act. The issue lands as Hegseth faces a possible House impeachment vote and waning support from Republicans on Capitol Hill. A CNN analysis, which can be found here, says the video may not have helped Hegseth’s cause.