Hegseth under fire: Republican senator calls him 'inept'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing growing bipartisan criticism over his leadership. A Republican senator has publicly labeled him "inept," joining Democrats who have already questioned his performance. The backlash centers on two main issues: Hegseth’s handling of the war in Iran and his recent shake-up of Pentagon leadership. The senator’s blunt remark signals that dissent is no longer limited to the opposition party. This rare public break in ranks suggests unease within the president’s own party. Lawmakers are increasingly worried about the direction of U.S. defense policy during an active conflict. The Pentagon has not yet issued an official response to the senator’s comment. However, the pressure on Hegseth is expected to intensify as Congress reviews his decisions in the coming weeks.