In a significant development within the Pentagon, another senior aide to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced his departure. This marks the sixth exit of a top adviser during Hegseth’s first six months in office. Justin Fulcher, who joined as a senior adviser in late April, confirmed his exit in a text message to The Washington Post, stating that his departure is “perfectly amicable.” Fulcher indicated that he had always intended to serve only six months in government.
Expressing gratitude towards Hegseth and former President Donald Trump, Fulcher remarked on the inspiration he gained from working alongside the dedicated civilians and service members at the Department of Defense. “Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department of Defense has been incredibly inspiring,” he stated, emphasizing his positive experience.
Sean Parnell, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, acknowledged Fulcher’s departure following an initial report from CBS News that inaccurately characterized it as a firing. Parnell clarified that it was “not fair” to label the exit in that manner and praised Fulcher as a “great guy.” In an official statement, the Pentagon expressed gratitude for Fulcher’s contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Hegseth, who transitioned from a career as a Fox News personality to his role in the Cabinet, has faced challenges in managing his team effectively. The frequent turnover among his aides, compounded by other early missteps, has drawn scrutiny not only from Congress but also from the White House. This latest shake-up follows a report detailing a troubling incident between Fulcher and Yinon Weiss, the Pentagon’s DOGE team lead, which occurred prior to Fulcher’s appointment.
According to reports, Fulcher left a meeting with Weiss feeling alarmed and sought assistance from Hegseth’s office, believing that the Pentagon Force Protection Agency was searching for him. This situation prompted Hegseth to confront Weiss, who clarified that he had reported Fulcher to a government official rather than any law enforcement agency. This confrontation raised concerns about the dynamics within Hegseth’s inner circle.
Fulcher's tenure at the Pentagon has not been without controversy. Last month, The Guardian reported that he had informed Hegseth’s personal attorney and chief of staff about surveillance measures that he claimed could locate Pentagon leakers. However, it was later revealed that Fulcher may have overstated his capabilities, leading to skepticism among Hegseth’s other advisers regarding his role within the administration.
In the days leading up to his departure, speculation regarding Fulcher's future at the Pentagon had been rampant. Despite reassurances from administration officials that he remained in his position, Fulcher's workspace had been relocated, which some interpreted as a sign of ongoing dysfunction within Hegseth’s team. Other notable departures from Hegseth’s staff include Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick, who were all dismissed in April, as well as Joe Kasper, who voluntarily transitioned to the private sector.
This constant reshuffling of personnel raises questions about the stability and effectiveness of Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon, as he continues to navigate the complexities of his role. The ongoing changes within the Department of Defense highlight the challenges faced by political appointees in maintaining cohesion and morale among their teams.
