Weekly Beat Issue 12: April 25, 2025
- Judy Stahl
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
Main Story: A make-up studio, leaked information, and incompetence--The Pete Hegseth Story
In early January, we wrote a story about the unfitness of Pete Hegseth, who is now Secretary of the Department of Defense. Given the recent controversies, we think it’s prudent to revisit why he was unfit in the first place, and how he’s proved us right so far.
Pete Hegseth was never fit for office.
During his confirmation several issues relating to his fitness and suitability came to light.
First, Hegseth is fairly low-ranked in terms of military service and when questioned on major responsibilities of the SecDef, he was unable to answer even basic questions while under Congressional scrutiny. More alarming though were allegations of sexual misconduct and aggression while publicly drunk.
Several reports have been released of multiple occasions wherein Hegseth, while working in an official capacity, had to be removed from events due to his drunken belligerence. More concerningly, Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a hotel in Monterey, California in 2017. Although he denied the allegations, he reportedly paid a financial settlement to the accuser.
These allegations alone show Hegseth to be someone who is irresponsible at best, and unstable and violent at worst. This is not the temperament anyone should have, while holding the second highest position in the United States Armed Forces.
Then, there were the allegations of financial mismanagement. During his nomination, reports were released stating that Hegseth was fired from multiple veterans organizations for misuse of funds. And yet, he is now in control of a budget of nearly $850 billion.
All of these reports combined paint a troubling picture of a leader whose personal conduct is at odds with the integrity expected of public officials. Despite our warnings, and the warnings of many others across the U.S., Hegseth was nonetheless confirmed to his position by a vote along party lines. Three Republicans, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined Democrats in voting him down, leading to Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote. Which brings us to today.
Hegseth was never fit, and he’s proving everyone right.
Since taking office, Hegseth has repeatedly taken action to put our national security and the integrity of our armed forces at risk. One of the most alarming issues is Hegseth's use of the encrypted messaging app Signal on a Pentagon computer, where he reportedly shared sensitive military information, including operational details about strikes in Yemen, with unauthorized individuals, on more than one occasion. These individuals include: Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic Magazine, and Hegseth’s wife, brother, and personal lawyer.
Legal experts have suggested that this behavior may have violated federal laws, including the Espionage Act. Such actions not only compromise national security but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for established protocols.
Moreover, Hegseth's decision to install a makeup studio in the Pentagon, reportedly costing thousands of dollars, has drawn criticism, especially amid ongoing so-called “cost-cutting” initiatives. This move suggests a prioritization of personal image over fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency, and is frankly a waste of taxpayer’s hard-earned dollars.
Given these issues, it's not surprising that figures across the political spectrum have called for Hegseth's resignation. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg labeled him "unfit to lead," and Representative Jason Crow stated that Hegseth "should have never been confirmed." Even within the Trump administration, there is growing unease about his continued role.
In conclusion, Pete Hegseth's actions and history raise serious doubts about his fitness for public office. His tenure has been characterized by breaches of protocol, ethical lapses, and questionable judgment, all of which undermine the trust and security that the public deserves from its leaders.
Our Take
Pete Hegseth’s reckless behavior and troubling history make it clear: he is unfit to hold public office. From sharing sensitive military information through encrypted apps to facing credible allegations of misconduct, Hegseth has betrayed the public trust at every turn.
It’s time for accountability. Here’s how he can be removed:
Hegseth can resign. If enough public pressure is placed on the Trump administration and Congress to demand his removal, he may choose to remove himself from the equation, rather than wasting the political capital he would need to hold on to office, capital which could be spent pushing other initiatives.
The President can fire him — today. As an appointed official, Hegseth serves at the pleasure of the President. That being said, Trump is unlikely to do so without significant pressure from Congress and the public
Congress can investigate and apply pressure. If the President won’t act, Congress can launch hearings, expose misconduct, and force change through oversight and public accountability. The results of such an investigation can then be referred to the Justice Department for criminal charges or create the basis for impeachment proceedings.
He can be impeached. While rare, impeachment is a constitutional option. We must urge our representatives to explore every legal path toward removal. Given that there is bipartisan outrage at recent scandals, this option is perfectly in the realm of possibility.
Criminal conduct? Legal consequences. If Hegseth’s actions broke the law — like violating the Espionage Act — the Department of Justice is empowered to investigate and prosecute him. For them to take action, public pressure must be applied.
Take Action: Demand Hegseth's Removal From Office
All of the options outlined above are viable for Hegseth’s removal. But, our elected officials will only take action if we the people demand it in one loud, unified voice. There are two ways you can take action.
Join thousands in signing the Change.org petition demanding Pete Hegseth’s resignation. https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-resignation-of-defense-secretary-pete-hegseth
Call your Representatives in the House. Demand that they investigate Hegseth’s misconduct and proceed with articles of impeachment. The capitol switchboard number is: (202) 224-3121
Only together, can we demand change. Today is the day to take action.
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