Cracks are emerging in the U.S. military’s leadership under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as senior officers and both current and former Defense Department officials told The Washington Times that Hegseth has lost the trust and respect of key commanders. Critics cite his public “grandstanding,” widely viewed as unprofessional, along with personnel decisions that have contributed to an unprecedented exodus of talent from the Pentagon.

Many high-ranking officers described Hegseth’s September 30 speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico—addressing hundreds of generals and admirals—as a turning point in perceptions of his leadership, style, and competence. Officials labeled the speech “embarrassing” and “theatrical,” saying it fell “below our institution’s standards.” “It was a massive waste of time — if he ever had our support, he lost it,” one current U.S. Army general told The Washington Times.