Pete Hegseth Unlikely to Remain Defense Secretary: Ex-DOD Spokesperson
April 21, 2025
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Ellie Cook is a Newsweek security and defense reporter based in London, U.K. Her work focuses largely on the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S. military, weapons systems and emerging technology. She joined Newsweek in January 2023, having previously worked as a reporter at the Daily Express, and is a graduate of International Journalism at City, University of London. Languages: English, Spanish.You can reach Ellie via email at e.cook@newsweek.com.
Ellie Cook
Security & Defense Reporter
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is unlikely to keep hold of his position for much longer, the Pentagon’s former top spokesperson has said, as the Department of Defense contends with “total chaos” in the wake of further reported leaks of sensitive military information and high-profile firings.
“It’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer,” former Pentagon spokesperson, John Ullyot, said in an opinion piece penned for Politico, published on Sunday.
Ullyot resigned from his position at the Department of Defense’s top spokesperson last week.
Ullyot said the Pentagon’s most senior ranks were “near collapse,” and accused Department of Defense officials close to Hegseth of launching “smear” campaigns against three senior staffers fired earlier this month.
“In short, the building is in disarray under Hegseth’s leadership,” Ullyot said.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is seen during an event with President Trump, presenting the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy after their championship win in the East Room… Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is seen during an event with President Trump, presenting the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy after their championship win in the East Room of the White House in Washington DC on Tuesday April 15, 2025.
Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images
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