- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced widespread criticism and accusations of body shaming after posting a picture on social media appearing to mock a Canadian youth cadet instructor.
- Veterans, academics, and former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger condemned the post, asserting that the Secretary of Defense should not be bullying teenagers in a youth organization.
- Critics highlighted Hegseth's previous opposition to women serving in combat roles and his history of publicly criticizing military personnel's physical appearances.
- The social media backlash follows internal friction at the Department of Defense, including the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
- The controversy coincides with heightened political and trade tensions between the United States and Canada, including President Trump placing 50 percent tariffs on Canadian exports.
IN FULL
