Typically, the names of senior staff at the Pentagon remain under the radar, but the precarious position of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has thrust him into the spotlight. Recent reports from NPR indicate that the White House is actively seeking potential replacements for Hegseth, who is currently facing backlash for allegedly exposing sensitive military attack plans in at least two insecure group chats.
In-fighting within Hegseth's office over alleged leaks has led to significant changes, with five senior advisers either resigning or being fired. On Friday, the Pentagon announced the promotion of four new senior advisers, including Col. Ricky Buria, a former junior military assistant, and Justin Fulcher, who is a member of the DOGE team embedded at the Pentagon. Additionally, Patrick Weaver, who previously served as a special assistant at the Department of Defense, has also been promoted. Notably, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's former chief spokesman, is now the assistant to the secretary of defense and senior adviser.
In an official statement regarding these changes, Pentagon Acting Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson emphasized that regular workforce adjustments are integral to a highly efficient organization. However, the recent upheavals are anything but ordinary. Three senior staffers were removed under accusations of leaking information, which they all deny, while Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, opted to leave the Pentagon entirely to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
A former official from the Trump administration, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the White House has been probing potential advisers for Hegseth's office in an effort to stabilize the situation. However, this official expressed doubts about finding candidates willing to join a Pentagon that is currently characterized by disarray. NPR reached out to the White House for comments but did not receive a response.
The newly appointed individuals have minimal experience in government positions. Sean Parnell, a native of Pittsburgh, has a military background, having served for six years. He previously ran for the U.S. House in 2020 and launched a brief campaign for the U.S. Senate the following year. Justin Fulcher, who gained recognition in Forbes magazine’s 30 under 30 list in 2017, was part of tech billionaire Elon Musk's DOGE team at the Pentagon. Fulcher was later featured in a Forbes article that questioned his credentials as an entrepreneur. Patrick Weaver, who graduated from college in 2017, served in the first Trump administration at the Department of Homeland Security.
Notably, Kingsley Wilson, at just 26 years old, transitions from deputy press secretary to acting press secretary amid criticisms from members of Congress and Jewish organizations for her past online posts and comments. Typically, those who have held the press secretary position possess extensive experience in military, journalism, Capitol Hill, or private industry. For instance, Kenneth Bacon, who served as spokesperson for Defense Secretary William Cohen, was a veteran with experience on Capitol Hill and at The Wall Street Journal. Similarly, Victoria Clarke, spokesperson for Pentagon chief Donald Rumsfeld, had a robust background working with prominent figures in the Reagan and Bush administrations.
The absence of a qualified chief of staff could hinder progress at the Pentagon. This role is crucial for managing the overwhelming demands placed on the secretary of defense, who oversees approximately three million personnel, including troops deployed globally. Ongoing turmoil within Hegseth’s office has resulted in a backlog of congressional requests and critical decisions regarding appointments. Both Democrats and at least one Republican member of Congress have voiced that Hegseth should be replaced to restore order within the Pentagon.
