In a series of moves that have sent shockwaves through the Pentagon and beyond, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has become the focal point of controversy, reshaping the Department of Defense with a blend of historical revisionism, contentious personnel decisions, and public statements that have drawn fierce criticism from many quarters. Since taking office in January 2025 under President Donald Trump, Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by the restoration of Confederate monuments, high-profile leadership shake-ups, and a string of incidents that have raised questions about the direction and values of the nation’s military leadership.
On August 18, 2025, Hegseth announced during a Fox News interview that the Arlington Confederate Memorial—also known as the Reconciliation Monument—would be reinstalled at Arlington National Cemetery. The statue, towering over 30 feet, had been removed in 2023 following a congressional recommendation. According to The Washington Post, this monument is not just a relic of the past; it is a symbol deeply entwined with the Jim Crow era, designed to reinforce white supremacy and remind Black Americans of their second-class status. The statue depicts Confederate soldiers rushing to the aid of a white woman, with two enslaved Black individuals portrayed in subservient roles—a scene that critics say whitewashes the brutal reality of slavery and the Confederacy’s true legacy.
Hegseth defended the decision with fervor, stating, “We recognize our history. We don’t erase it. We don’t follow the woke lemmings off the cliff that want to tear down statues…. The Reconciliation Monument will return to Arlington where it belongs to recognize the service of Americans…. We’re not tearing stuff down. We’re done with that. We’re putting statues back, we’re putting paintings back. We’re recognizing our history, we’re restoring the names of bases as we’ve done across the country because we’re proud of our history…. We’re going to teach it, we’re going to live it, and we’re going to fight for it.”
For many observers, including columnist Shalise Manza Young, Hegseth’s rhetoric and actions are not merely a matter of historical preservation but a deliberate attempt to elevate a narrative that celebrates traitors and white supremacists. Young, writing for Yahoo Sports, noted that the very design and intent of the statue—planned by Alabama Congressman Hilary Herbert—was to depict “the kindly relations that existed all over the South between the master and the slave,” a myth long used by apologists to sanitize the horrors of slavery. As Young put it, “Nothing makes slavery apologists happier than portraying the enslaved as happy-go-lucky dullards joyfully singing in the fields and doing everything they can for ‘Massuh,’ the great man who allowed them a roof over their heads.”
Hegseth’s restoration efforts are not limited to Arlington. On August 17, 2025, the U.S. National Parks Service announced plans to restore a statue of Confederate officer Albert Pike in Washington, D.C.—a figure believed to have been a grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan in Arkansas. According to The Associated Press, Pike’s legacy is inextricably linked to post-war white supremacist violence, and his commemoration has long been a point of contention. The decision to reinstall his statue, alongside the Arlington monument, has been interpreted by many as a signal of the administration’s priorities and values.
Meanwhile, the personnel turbulence within the Pentagon has only added to the sense of upheaval. On November 1, 2025, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin will retire—two years into what was supposed to be a four-year term. The Air Force, in a statement, thanked Allvin for his “transformational” leadership. Allvin himself expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and I’m thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump’s faith in me to lead our service. More than anything, I’m proud to have been part of the team of airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation.”
Yet, as The Washington Post reported, Allvin’s departure was not voluntary. An unnamed source told the newspaper, “It was certainly not his choice,” adding that the Pentagon under Hegseth wanted to move in “another direction.” Gen. Thomas Bussiere, nominated in July as vice chief of staff and known for his role in “Operation Midnight Hammer” against Iran, is tipped as a possible replacement. Allvin’s retirement is just the latest in a string of leadership changes since Hegseth took charge, with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, chief of naval operations, commandant of the Coast Guard, and vice chief of staff of the Air Force all replaced in the past eight months. Several other generals and admirals have also been reassigned or removed from less prominent roles.
The disruption has not been confined to the upper echelons of military leadership. Since January, at least five senior female service members have been reassigned, including Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, the first female superintendent of the Naval Academy. This pattern has sparked accusations of gender bias. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, speaking to Nexstar Media, observed, “Just to remove commanders from their positions without cause sends a clear signal that this is not about merit, it’s not about performance, it’s about the fact that they’re women. It’s the only conclusion you can come to.”
Hegseth’s leadership style and personal beliefs have also come under scrutiny. On August 15, 2025, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson was forced to clarify Hegseth’s position on women’s voting rights after the secretary reposted a video featuring pastors who advocated for repealing the 19th Amendment. The video included Doug Wilson, Toby Sumpter, and Jared Longshore, all expressing opposition to women’s suffrage. Hegseth’s accompanying comment, “All of Christ for All of Life,” fueled concerns that he might share their views. Wilson, however, dismissed these fears, telling reporters, “Of course, the secretary thinks that women should have the right to vote. That’s a stupid question.” She also pointed to strong recruitment numbers across all branches as evidence of Hegseth’s effective leadership, regardless of gender.
Hegseth’s time at the Pentagon has been dogged by additional controversies, including the so-called “Signalgate” scandal in March 2025, when classified information about an upcoming bombing raid was inadvertently shared in a Signal group chat. In April, The New York Times reported that Hegseth had shared sensitive material in a group chat with family and his personal attorney. These incidents led to the departure of his chief of staff, Joe Kasper, and spokesperson John Ullyot. Despite an internal investigation finding no evidence against accused aides, the episodes have contributed to a portrait of instability and eroded trust within the department.
Amid these sweeping changes and controversies, the Trump administration has at times had to intervene directly. Earlier in the year, Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly stepped in to help Hegseth fill key positions after his handling of these scandals made recruitment for top posts unusually difficult.
For supporters of Hegseth, his actions represent a bold correction to what they see as years of "woke" overreach and historical erasure. For critics, they are a dangerous embrace of a divisive past and a worrying departure from principles of merit, inclusion, and transparency. As the Department of Defense navigates these turbulent waters, the legacy of Pete Hegseth’s tenure—whether as a restorer of tradition or a catalyst for division—remains a matter of fierce debate.
What’s clear is that, under Hegseth, the Pentagon is not shying away from controversy, and the consequences of these decisions will likely reverberate well beyond his time in office.
