Retired U.S. General Barry McCaffrey Says Pete Hegseth “Should Be Fired” Over Controversial Strike
Retired U.S. Army General Barry R. McCaffrey publicly joined criticism of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying Hegseth “should be fired.” The comment, made on social media in response to controversy over a military strike that killed survivors of a suspected drug-trafficking boat, adds to growing scrutiny of Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon.
The calls for Hegseth’s removal underscore mounting tension over his strategic decisions, particularly a “double-tap” strike in the Caribbean that left 11 people dead and raised legal questions among lawmakers and military experts.
Retired General McCaffrey replied to fellow veterans’ criticism: “Hegseth should be fired for this order”, labeling the conduct “dishonorable.” U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, himself a retired Navy officer, also said Hegseth was “unqualified” and should have been removed.
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Hegseth’s office has defended the Pentagon’s actions, including authorization of the operations in question, and has denied wrongdoing. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley carried out the strikes “well within his authority.”
This criticism comes amid broader controversy over Pentagon policy under Hegseth, including congressional oversight and legal debate over the laws of war and civilian control of the military.
Legal analysts and lawmakers have raised concerns that the conduct of these operations and how Hegseth justifies them, could erode trust within the military leadership and with international partners.
What happens next?
Congressional committees have signaled continued oversight of these strikes, and additional statements from retired senior officers may shape further debate over Pentagon leadership.
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