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Pentagon Defends Hegseth’s Controversial Post About Canadian Cadet Program

The post drew scolding from Canadian officials and journalists after Hegseth appeared to mock a cadet during a medal ceremony.

  • On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced widespread backlash after posting a photo of a Canadian cadet receiving a medal at the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in British Columbia, captioning it "."
  • Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation occurred the same day, leaving the Army without top civilian leadership after 18 months in the job, according to the White House.
  • Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger condemned the post as 'body shaming' teenagers in Canada's Cadet Program, which serves youth aged 12 to 18. "MAGA males are betas who have to punch down to feel big," Kinzinger continued.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the message was "beneath their office" when asked about the post in Ottawa today, as the incident further strained bilateral relations following last month's trade disputes.
  • Reports indicate Hegseth previously expressed contempt for "fat generals and admirals" within the military, fueling broader scrutiny of his leadership style amid the Army's leadership vacuum.
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Pentagon defends Hegseth’s controversial post about Canadian cadet program

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is standing behind a controversial social media post by U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about a Canadian cadet program. Hegesth on Monday posted an image from the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon, B.C., depict...

·Prince George, Canada
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Winnipeg Free PressWinnipeg Free Press
+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
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Pentagon defends Hegseth's controversial post about Canadian cadet program

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is standing behind a controversial social media post by U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about a Canadian cadet program.

·Winnipeg, Canada
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Times of India broke the news in India on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
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