US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been reported to display increasingly manic and paranoid behavior following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sources describe Hegseth as “crawling out of his skin,” visibly distracted, and prone to explosive tantrums, particularly in interactions with his Pentagon staff.
Heightened Tensions and Paranoia at the Pentagon
According to insiders, Hegseth has become obsessed with his own security and has exhibited erratic conduct, including pacing during meetings and firing Pentagon officials for speaking to the media. His fixation on renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War has intensified tensions with staffers, with sources describing his reactions as full-blown tantrums when challenged.
Strict Military Crackdown on Social Media Commentary
In the aftermath of Kirk’s assassination, Hegseth has ordered Pentagon personnel to identify and discipline any service members who mocked or condoned the killing on social media. Several military officers have been suspended or relieved of duties as the Defense Department scrutinizes posts under hashtags like #RevolutionariesintheRanks. This crackdown extends to even mildly unfavorable posts, reflecting a broad interpretation of punishable conduct under military regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Hegseth’s response aligns with broader government efforts, including statements from other officials, to curb dissent and enforce strict discipline within the ranks. The heightened security measures and internal disciplinary actions underscore the profound impact Kirk’s assassination has had on the Pentagon’s leadership and morale.
Despite the turmoil, Hegseth publicly honored Kirk as a hero during a memorial service, urging Americans to live lives worthy of Kirk’s sacrifice, further highlighting the personal and political weight the event carries for him.