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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth embattled amid scandals

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Ralph Martin
December 6, 2025

Ten months into his tenure as defense secretary, Pete Hegseth has become increasingly controversial. From "Signalgate" to the Caribbean boat strikes, here's how the defense chief is hanging on amid deepening scrutiny.

A former TV host, Pete Hegseth arrived at the Pentagon in January 2025 as an outside pick closely aligned with US President Donald Trump.

After a series of allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and drinking on the job, scrutiny has intensified and bipartisan calls to remove the defense secretary are growing.

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