Pete Hegseth criticized for body-shaming Canadian cadet program members
US defense secretary faced backlash for attempting to mock Canada’s armed forces amid trade war
TL;DR
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a social media message body-shaming members of a Canadian youth development program.
- The post, made on X, featured a photograph of individuals in uniform with a Canadian flag, intended to mock Canada's armed forces during a trade dispute.
- Critics noted the subjects were likely volunteer instructors and teenagers from a cadet training program, not active military personnel.
- Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby, condemned the post as inappropriate and unprofessional.
- US politicians, including former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, also criticized Hegseth's actions.
- The Pentagon initially defended Hegseth's post, stating it 'speaks for itself'.
- The incident occurs amid broader political pressures on Hegseth, including reported clashes with the US army chief and accusations of undermining military leadership.
- Hegseth has previously made critical remarks about the physical fitness of US military personnel.