Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fostered a Pentagon culture characterized by distrust, strict information control, and concerns over loyalty.
According to current and former officials, Hegseth has fired senior leaders, blocked promotions, restricted access to information, expanded leak investigations, and centralized decision-making.
One example was the abrupt firing of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George after months of tension. Officials said George had sought a meeting with Hegseth to improve relations but was dismissed before it took place.
Sources said many senior officials now avoid drawing attention from Hegseth's office out of concern for potential professional repercussions.
Source: CNN