Recent reports indicate an enduring rift among Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's cadre of senior advisers, which has created significant divides within the Pentagon’s front office. This internal conflict has led to speculation regarding Hegseth's long-term viability in his Cabinet position, particularly after a series of incidents that drew scrutiny from the White House. Sources familiar with the situation reveal that despite Hegseth's efforts to portray unity following a significant purge of political appointees in April, behind-the-scenes dysfunction remains prevalent.
The tension within Hegseth’s inner circle is fueled by ongoing personality conflicts, inexperience among staff, and vacancies in key leadership roles. Current and former officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of these discussions, have described a persistent climate of paranoia regarding potential political crises. “There’s a cold war that exists in between flash points,” one insider shared, highlighting the unsettling environment where tempers frequently flare among key figures on Hegseth’s team.
Perhaps the most notable conflict is between Eric Geressy and Ricky Buria. Geressy, a retired soldier who has been a mentor to Hegseth, has expressed concerns over Buria's attempts to marginalize colleagues to enhance his own position within the Trump administration. Their relationship reached a boiling point in March when Geressy discovered he had been excluded from important meetings during a trip across the Pacific, blaming Buria for the slight. This incident, combined with previous controversies surrounding administration communications, has heightened tensions.
Geressy has also voiced his discontent regarding complaints from the White House about Buria’s perceived self-importance and his tendency to overshadow others to gain favor with senior officials. The friction between these two advisers serves as a microcosm of the broader instability at the Pentagon, as Hegseth grapples with maintaining control amid numerous scandals that have drawn the ire of both the White House and Congress.
During a recent Memorial Day address, President Trump acknowledged Hegseth's dedication to service members and veterans, stating, “He’s a tough cookie.” However, current and former defense officials remain uncertain about how long Hegseth can maintain his position without effectively managing his staff. This assessment is based on interviews with several U.S. officials, all of whom emphasize the importance of order in Hegseth's inner circle.
Sean Parnell, a senior adviser and chief spokesman for Hegseth, downplayed the existing tensions, asserting that workforce adjustments are a natural part of an effective organization. He emphasized that the Defense Department is focused on executing President Trump's agenda, insisting that Hegseth’s team is working cohesively towards its core mission of warfighting.
The ongoing conflict between Geressy and Buria is particularly notable given their backgrounds and Hegseth’s stated goal of instilling a “warrior ethos” within the Pentagon. Geressy, a retired command sergeant major, has been recognized for his combat valor, while Buria, a Marine Corps pilot, has recently expanded his influence within the department. Their contrasting styles and approaches to leadership have exacerbated existing tensions.
In an effort to stabilize his team, Hegseth has made several leadership changes, including the appointment of Buria and other advisers to senior roles. However, these choices have surprised some Pentagon officials, given the limited experience of the appointees. Parnell, a veteran and former Senate candidate, has seen his responsibilities increase but has yet to hold regular news briefings since joining Hegseth's staff.
Hegseth has also implemented stricter media access protocols at the Pentagon, which has raised concerns among journalists about transparency. The Pentagon Press Association has criticized this move as a direct attack on press freedom. As Hegseth seeks to impose order amid ongoing scrutiny, the consequences of these changes remain to be seen.
As Hegseth continues to navigate these tumultuous waters, it remains unclear how long he will hold onto his Cabinet position without effectively addressing the internal strife. With ongoing challenges and a divided front office, the future of Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon is uncertain. The unfolding dynamics within his team will be crucial to watch as they could significantly impact the administration's military policy and effectiveness moving forward.
