Recent departures from key Pentagon positions have illuminated a period of significant instability within the Department of Defense, with former officials alleging serious dysfunction and questioning the leadership of Secretary Pete Hegseth.
As reported by Politico on Sunday, John Ullyot, a previously influential communications strategist at the Pentagon, argued that the department’s internal problems were creating a substantial distraction for President Donald Trump. “The dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president – who deserves better from his senior leadership,” Ullyot stated in his op-ed. He posited that given Trump’s established practice of holding officials accountable, Hegseth’s tenure was likely nearing its end.
Ullyot’s departure last week stemmed from a disagreement regarding his role as second-in-command to Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson. Simultaneously, a series of personnel changes amplified these concerns. On Friday, three of Hegseth’s closest advisors – Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick – were dismissed, a move described by Ullyot as “strange” and “baffling.” Furthermore, Joe Kasper, the secretary’s chief of staff, faced increasing friction with these same individuals, confirmed by multiple defense sources to Fox News Digital.
“In short,” Ullyot summarized, “the building is in disarray under Hegseth’s leadership.” The situation was further complicated by reports concerning a second Signal chat involving Hegseth and his family, detailing potential military action against Houthi forces in Yemen. This revelation mirrored previous concerns regarding a similar chat containing information shared with Cabinet members, including national security advisor Mike Waltz’s unintentional inclusion of *The Atlantic* editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.
Sean Parnell offered a dismissive response to the latest reporting: “There was no classified information in any Signal chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story.”
This turbulent week at the Pentagon coincided with what Ullyot termed “an endless drama,” diverting attention from critical warfighting efforts. “Unfortunately, after a terrible month, the Pentagon focus is no longer on warfighting, but on endless drama,” he wrote. He reiterated his belief that Trump deserved better leadership and suggested a swift accountability process within the Defense Department.
The criticism of Ullyot was immediate and forceful from within Trump’s inner circle. Donald Trump Jr., via X, declared Ullyot “not America First” and alleged years of subversive activity against the President’s agenda, stating that his influence ended on Monday. Jason Miller echoed this sentiment, asserting a lack of nuance and accusing Ullyot of promoting “Democrat talking points.”
Despite the turmoil, the White House maintained its support for Hegseth. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The President stands strongly behind Secretary Hegseth, who is doing a phenomenal job leading the Pentagon.” She attributed the challenges to opposition within the department and described them as “monumental change” being resisted.
Pete Hegseth himself downplayed the controversy, attributing the reporting to “disgruntled employees” and “anonymous smears.” He defended his actions at the White House Easter Egg roll, labeling those questioning him as “hoaxsters.”
