Pentagon Staff Warn of 'Manic' Defense Secretary's Tantrums
Pete Hegseth speaking with attendees at the 2023 Pastors Summit hosted by Turning Point Faith at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Pentagon insiders are raising alarms about Secretary Pete Hegseth's behavior, describing it as increasingly erratic and "manic." Staffers report frantic pacing during meetings, obsessive demands about his personal security, and abrupt orders that have unsettled military leadership. These episodes reportedly intensified after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking concerns about the stability of leadership at the Pentagon.
A Manic Energy Unfolding
Two Pentagon aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, described Hegseth's demeanor as "manic" and "crawling out of his skin," as reported by The Daily Beast — signaling a level of agitation that has grown noticeably worse in recent weeks. One insider said the defense secretary exhibits a manic quality, adding that this was an escalation from his already temperamental nature. Another source described him as visibly distracted, fidgeting, and even standing up and pacing during meetings, behaviors that have become more frequent since Kirk's assassination at a Utah university event.
The assassination of Kirk, a fellow conservative and Christian activist, appears to have struck a nerve with Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, a former Fox News producer. Pentagon insiders say Jennifer's heightened security demands for her husband and their family have contributed to his growing paranoia; these demands reportedly go "far beyond" the protections granted to other Trump administration officials, as reported by The Daily Beast. This has led to a strain on the Army's Criminal Investigation Division; it has had to divert agents from criminal investigations to guard Hegseth's multiple residences.
Abrupt Orders and Military Unease
Hegseth's erratic behavior has spilled over into his official duties. He recently ordered every military official above the rank of one-star general to fly to Virginia for a rare mass meeting. The sudden summons caused confusion and unease among the top brass, with some officers likening the atmosphere to the dystopian TV show "Squid Game" and fearing for their jobs.
Sources say Hegseth has been quick to lash out at military leaders who do not meet his expectations, with one insider noting that he takes challenges personally, erupting into "full-blown tantrums," as reported by Raw Story. He has allegedly fired Pentagon officials suspected of speaking to journalists or congressional staffers, though no official confirmation of these firings has been made.
Press Crackdowns and Security Paranoia
In addition to his internal management style, Hegseth has introduced sweeping new restrictions on press access at the Pentagon, now rebranded as the "Department of War." Reporters must obtain express approval to publish any information gathered at the Pentagon and are forbidden from accessing most areas without an escort. Journalists are required to sign compliance forms pledging to protect "sensitive information," with the threat of losing credentials if they violate these rules, as reported by The Daily Beast. The Pentagon Press Association condemned these measures as "a direct attack on the freedom of the press and America's right to know what its military is doing."
Hegseth responded on X, stating that the press no longer runs the Pentagon and must follow the rules or leave. His office has pushed back hard against reports of his behavior, calling them "untrue" and "outrageous," as reported by The Daily Beast. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed the allegations, accusing the Daily Mail of being "the least informed 'journalist' to ever report on the Pentagon" and labeling the story "completely false." Hegseth's lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, also criticized the reporting, calling it a "fictional essay" with fabricated sources.
The Human Side of Power
The vivid personal details shared by Pentagon aides paint a picture of a leader under immense pressure. One insider said Hegseth is "spooked," with his "warrior persona" showing cracks, as reported by The Daily Beast. His wife's involvement in pushing for increased security and shaping a conservative, Christian narrative around her husband adds another layer to the story, suggesting that personal fears are influencing official decisions.
The recall of generals for a sudden meeting, the crackdown on press freedom, and the diversion of criminal investigators to personal security duties all underscore the ripple effects of this behavior on the Pentagon's operations. Whether these developments represent a temporary reaction to recent events or a sign of deeper instability remains to be seen.
What Comes Next?
As the Pentagon navigates this turbulent period, the spotlight is on Hegseth's ability to maintain control and command respect. The internal discord and public disputes over his conduct highlight the challenges of leadership in a high-stakes environment. For now, Pentagon aides continue to watch closely, their concerns echoing through the halls of power.
References: Pentagon Aides Expose Pete Hegseth's 'Manic' Meltdowns | Pete Hegseth is 'crawling out his skin': Pentagon insiders tell of explosive tantrums and erratic behavior... as his wife is accused of making outrageous demands | Daily Mail Online | 'Dude is crawling out of skin': Insiders say Pete Hegseth is 'manic' in the Pentagon | Hegseth Shocks Military Command With Massive Unexplained Meeting In DC
