Additional Coverage:
- Pete Hegseth stumbles over words in message from Pentagon lawn as drone hovers overhead (irishstar.com)
Pentagon Chief’s Drone Delivery Raises Eyebrows
A curious video featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has gone viral, sparking questions and amusement online. The video shows Hegseth on the Pentagon lawn, apparently receiving a memo via drone. As the small aircraft hovers before him, the Secretary appears to struggle with his words before signing the document.
Hegseth’s remarks in the video touched on rebuilding the military and addressing modern threats, referencing the proliferation of inexpensive drones used by adversaries. The memo he signed reportedly rolls back policies he believes have hindered American drone production.
However, much of the online discussion has focused on Hegseth’s demeanor in the video. Some social media users questioned whether he appeared intoxicated, with jokes and doctored images circulating online.
Others criticized the video as “propaganda,” questioning its purpose and cost. Further criticism centered on the perceived focus on media appearances by members of the Trump administration.
The video incident follows a recent controversy involving Hegseth’s unauthorized pause on weapons shipments to Ukraine, a move that reportedly bypassed both President Trump and the White House. When questioned about the halt, President Trump offered limited information, stating only that defensive weapons would continue to be sent to Ukraine. He deflected further inquiries about who authorized the pause.
This latest incident marks another point of contention in Hegseth’s leadership at the Defense Department. Sources indicate this is the second time he has unilaterally halted weapons shipments to Ukraine, surprising senior national security officials.