Key facts
- Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for "disregard for American servicemembers."
- Van Hollen cited poor conditions on US military ships, including lack of food and water.
- Senator Tammy Duckworth called for Hegseth's resignation, citing "wasteful and insulting speeches" and remarks on diversity.
- Several Republican senators expressed concerns over Hegseth's leadership and military departures.
- President Donald Trump defended Hegseth, calling criticism "false rumors."
- A poll indicated a decline in Hegseth's public favorability.
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen has publicly criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling their actions as a "disgraceful" disregard for American servicemembers. Van Hollen's remarks on X followed reports detailing poor conditions on U.S. military ships, including shortages of food and water and unsanitary environments.
Senator Tammy Duckworth has also issued a strong statement, lambasting Trump and Hegseth for delivering "unprecedented, wasteful and insulting speeches" to military leaders at taxpayer expense. Duckworth specifically condemned Hegseth's comments on weakening rules of engagement and his characterization of diversity as "debris," arguing these actions undermine national security and the valor of service members. She called for Hegseth's immediate resignation.
Several Republican senators have voiced concerns about Hegseth's leadership. Senator Thom Tillis stated that Hegseth had "lost my confidence" due to the forced retirement of senior military leaders and alleged micromanagement. Senator Susan Collins described the departures of senior military officials as "deeply troubling."
Despite the growing criticism, President Donald Trump has defended Hegseth, dismissing reports of internal dissent as "false and completely unfounded rumors." Trump praised Hegseth's performance, citing military operations and improvements at the Pentagon, such as ending diversity initiatives and boosting recruitment.
Public standing for Hegseth has also seen a decline, with a Marquette Law School poll showing a significant drop in his favorability ratings. Reports have also surfaced regarding Trump's frustration over munitions shortages that have limited U.S. military options, with conflicting accounts emerging about Hegseth's response to these concerns.