Representative Don Bacon has intensified his scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating the Pentagon chief’s recent actions have destroyed his standing.
The Nebraska Republican made these remarks during an interview on Friday.
“I’ve been on the record already,” Bacon told Politico’s Dasha Burns.
“After Signalgate, I think I’ve seen enough,” he continued.
“What I really wanted to see was someone take responsibility — own to a mistake,” Bacon stated.
Calls for Accountability Following Watchdog Report
Bacon asserted that Hegseth’s response to a recent scandal was particularly damaging.
“And then when he blamed the media or the, you know, the journalist for the story, it just — it ruined his credibility,” the lawmaker added.
His criticism follows a watchdog report released earlier this week.
The report found Hegseth endangered troops and violated policy by using a personal cell phone to send classified information via the Signal app.
The information pertained to a pending military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Bacon dismissed the Trump administration’s claim that the report exonerated the Defense Secretary.
He called that assertion “total baloney” in comments to CNN on Thursday.
The Congressman emphasized the importance of personal accountability from leadership.
“A leader stands up, says, ‘I screwed up. I take responsibility. I learned my lesson. I won’t do it again,’” Bacon said.
“This troubles me more the response and the actual misdeed, because it really undercuts his credibility as a leader,” he explained.
Concerns Over Military Decisions and Media Rules
Bacon also referenced other controversial incidents under Hegseth’s tenure.
The Defense Secretary has faced scrutiny over reports he ordered a second strike on a vessel suspected of narcotics trafficking after survivors were visible.
Hegseth has denied ordering military leaders to “kill everybody” in that incident.
Bacon further criticized new Pentagon restrictions on media access.
He connected this policy to Hegseth’s perceived avoidance of responsibility.
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“So, for example, not taking responsibility in Signalgate, but has rules on the media where, you know, now he has a bunch of second-rate journalists operating out of the Pentagon,” Bacon said.
The Congressman, who is retiring at the end of the term, also cited constraints on communication with military bases.
He stated bases are now prohibited from speaking directly with Congress without prior Pentagon vetting of questions.
Bacon is among several Republican lawmakers who have questioned Hegseth’s decisions and called for greater transparency.
Despite the criticism, the Defense Department continues its campaign against drug cartels in the Caribbean.
The White House maintains that Congressional approval is not required for these actions.
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