By The Pentagon is grappling with unprecedented turmoil, marked by a wave of resignations, internal feuds, and allegations of mishandled classified information, according to a former top official. John Ullyot, who recently stepped down as chief Pentagon spokesman, has described the past month as a “full-blown meltdown,” pointing to a series of leaks, mass firings, and operational dysfunction that have become a significant distraction for the Trump administration.
At the center of the storm is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host whose appointment drew skepticism due to his lack of traditional qualifications for the role. Ullyot, a longtime friend and supporter of Hegseth, warned that the chaos could deepen, with major revelations expected soon from Pentagon insiders.
His resignation follows the ousting of three senior aides—senior adviser Dan Caldwell, deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg—who were placed on leave and escorted out of the Pentagon amid a probe into unauthorized leaks. Sources describe a toxic atmosphere within Hegseth’s inner circle, with rivalries and accusations fueling the upheaval.
The dysfunction at the Pentagon comes at a critical time. The U.S. is actively engaged in military operations in the Middle East, including strikes against the Houthi militia in Yemen and support for Israel amid its ongoing bombardment of Gaza. These conflicts have led to significant civilian casualties, undermining claims from some Republican circles that President Trump’s leadership would usher in global stability. Instead, the Pentagon’s disarray raises questions about the administration’s ability to manage national security effectively.
Hegseth’s tenure has been marred by allegations of reckless behavior, including reports that he texted classified details of planned military strikes to a family group chat. Critics argue that his lack of experience has turned the Pentagon into what some describe as a “frat house,” with leadership purges and operational leaks compromising the department’s integrity. Calls for his resignation are growing, with many pointing to his appointment as a symptom of broader mismanagement within the administration.
As the Pentagon faces this crisis, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential for further leaks, the administration must act swiftly to restore stability. Whether Hegseth can weather this storm—or if more “bombshell” revelations will force a reckoning—remains to be seen. For now, the Pentagon’s chaos is a glaring vulnerability for an administration already navigating a complex global landscape.
