GOP Concerned About Hegseth
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) is stirring controversy after insisting that Republicans are quietly expressing concern over a Pentagon inspector general report involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While Democrats are trying to frame the report as a national security issue, Trump supporters and Pentagon officials say the findings prove exactly the opposite.
Himes Claims GOP Is Concerned Behind Closed Doors
Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation, Himes told host Margaret Brennan that Republicans “absolutely” voice worries when cameras are off — even though they publicly defend Hegseth.
According to Himes, GOP members are saying one thing privately and another in front of the media. Conservatives view this as another example of Democrats trying to create division inside the Republican Party as President Trump continues strengthening national security.
What the IG Report Actually Says
The 84-page Defense Department inspector general report examined Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app while discussing a potential U.S. strike on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Democrats claim the communication violated Pentagon policy. But they gloss over the key point emphasized by Pentagon officials:
➡ No classified information was ever shared.
➡ No troops were harmed.
➡ No mission was compromised.
The situation only surfaced after former national security adviser Mike Waltz mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, in an internal group chat with administration officials — a slip Democrats now use to amplify the controversy.
Pentagon Calls It a Total Exoneration
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell responded forcefully, declaring the report “a TOTAL exoneration” of Hegseth.
Parnell said the findings confirm what the Trump administration already knew:
✔ No classified material was transmitted
✔ No operational risk was created
✔ The inquiry is officially closed
“This matter is resolved,” Parnell said, shutting down attempts to keep the controversy alive.
Hegseth: ‘No Regrets’ in Defending America
Speaking to Fox News’s Lucas Tomlinson, Hegseth made it clear he stands by his actions and has “no regrets” about how he communicated operational details.
To many conservatives, this demonstrates confidence, transparency, and a commitment to protecting American troops — not the reckless behavior Democrats suggest.
Democrats Push Harder, Despite Lack of Evidence
Still, Himes doubled down, calling Hegseth’s messaging choice a “really, really, really bad idea” and arguing that he should not hold the job.
He accused Hegseth of risking troops and “the mission,” despite the Pentagon’s firm conclusion that no classified information was shared and no danger was created.
To many conservative voters, this looks less like a security issue and more like another political attack on a key Trump ally who has long pushed back against bureaucratic overreach inside the Pentagon.
