Ex-Hegseth Aide Claims 'Chaos' at Pentagon in Op-Ed

WASHINGTON - A former aide to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ignited controversy with the publication of an op-ed alleging widespread "chaos" within the Pentagon. The op-ed, published Sunday, paints a picture of an agency struggling with internal strife and questionable decision-making. The aide, who previously worked closely with Hegseth, cites recent events, including leaked text messages concerning airstrikes in Yemen and the abrupt firing of several top officials, as evidence of the turmoil.

The op-ed suggests that President Donald Trump may be considering removing Hegseth from his position. The aide argues that the recent controversies have undermined Hegseth's authority and created an environment of instability within the Department of Defense. This claim comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Pentagon's operations and leadership.

The leaked text messages, which surfaced earlier this month, revealed internal disagreements about the legality and justification for airstrikes in Yemen. The messages sparked outrage from human rights organizations and prompted calls for an investigation into the Pentagon's decision-making process. The subsequent firings of several high-ranking officials further fueled speculation about internal power struggles and a lack of clear leadership.

The op-ed's publication has triggered a wave of reactions from political analysts and defense experts. Some have echoed the aide's concerns, while others have dismissed the claims as exaggerated or politically motivated. The White House has yet to comment on the matter, but the allegations are likely to intensify the pressure on Hegseth and the Pentagon to address the growing concerns about its leadership and operations. The situation underscores the challenges facing the Department of Defense in navigating complex geopolitical issues and maintaining internal stability.