Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defied Pentagon norms by campaigning in his personal capacity for a Trump-backed challenger aiming to unseat Republican Representative Thomas Massie.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth broke long-standing Pentagon tradition Monday by campaigning for former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who is challenging incumbent Representative Thomas Massie in a high-stakes GOP primary.
According to The Hill, the move challenges the military’s apolitical image and risks Hatch Act criticism. Hegseth insisted he attended the Trump-allied rally as a private citizen.
“President Trump needs reinforcements, and that’s what war fighters do. They stand behind leaders and have their back,” Hegseth told the crowd.
Painting Massie as an obstructionist, Hegseth added, “At some point, being against everything becomes an excuse for accomplishing nothing.”
The Pentagon stated no taxpayer dollars were used. The race has transformed into a critical proxy war testing Donald Trump’s political influence over Republican dissenters.
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