Hegseth Confronted Over Dismissal of Air Force General
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth thumbs up
- General Timothy Haugh before Senate hearing
- General Timothy D. Haugh testifying at Senate
- Secretary Pete Hegseth answers media questions
- Pete Hegseth at Senate Armed Services hearing
- Senator Jacky Rosen discusses tariffs impacts
- Senator Rosen with Orucase owner Isaac Howe
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth thumbs up
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced sharp criticism during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing over his controversial decision to fire Air Force General Timothy D. Haugh. Haugh previously served as head of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. Reports suggested a far-right social media influencer was behind the move to terminate the NSA Director.
General Timothy Haugh before Senate hearing
Calling General Haugh’s dismissal “sudden and inexplicable” and “deeply concerning,” U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) told Hegseth it “raises significant questions about the decision-making process.”
General Timothy D. Haugh testifying at Senate
Rosen stated, “Public reports indicate that the removal of General Haugh, who has served his country proudly, has been influenced by social media influencer, an influencer— a personality on social media, Laura Loomer—spreads conspiracy theories. She’s been denounced even by Republicans.”
Secretary Pete Hegseth answers media questions
Hegseth said, “Anyone at that level who was relieved would be relieved by the Secretary of Defense.”
Pete Hegseth at Senate Armed Services hearing
Hegseth added, “I don’t discuss who I talk about anything with, but ultimately, this is my decision, and he serves at the pleasure of the president, and that’s why he’s no longer there.”
Senator Jacky Rosen discusses tariffs impacts
Rosen said, “I am going to say, Mr. Secretary, you’re either feckless or complicit. You’re not in control of your department. You are unserious. It is shocking. You’re not combating antisemitism within your ranks. It’s a dangerous and pivotal time in our nation’s history.”
Senator Rosen with Orucase owner Isaac Howe
Rosen added, “And I don’t appreciate the smirk, sir. You are the Secretary of Defense.”
Laura Mitchell covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
