[Source/Observer Network, Zhang Jingjuan] The US Secretary of Defense Hackett is gradually exhausting the patience of Republicans.

According to "Politico", most Republicans are unwilling to publicly criticize Hackett, but privately, some Republicans' dissatisfaction is growing.

"My leader is furious. The first time he defended Hackett was for the greater good, but the second time involving confidential matters is completely different. He sent confidential information to his wife and private lawyer. If this were an ordinary employee, they would have been in trouble." A Republican staff member who wished to remain anonymous said.

Trump's strong support has made many Republicans at least unite behind this controversial defense secretary on the surface.

Oklahoma Republican Senator Mullin (Markwayne Mullin) openly expressed support and highly praised his "excellent work" during his term in office.

"I will lead the charge, I will provide cover fire, I will seize strategic high ground, and I am even willing to risk enemy fire to deliver intelligence." Mullin posted on social media on the 21st, "We must restore integrity and focus within the Department of Defense and prioritize our combat personnel." I support Hackett."

However, the simmering anger indicates that if the scandal continues to escalate, the tolerance of former supporters for Hackett will be exhausted.

Last month, "The Atlantic" disclosed that several senior officials, including National Security Advisor Waltz, used the commercial chat software Signal to discuss confidential military plans. Editor Jeffrey Goldberg of "The Atlantic" was accidentally pulled into the group chat and learned in advance about the U.S. airstrike plan against the Houthis in Yemen.

The group chat records published by Goldberg show that on March 15th, a few hours before the U.S. military operation began, Hackett released detailed operational details in a chat group called "Houthi PC Group", including the flight plans of U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets.

On April 20th, "The New York Times" reported that Hackett also released details of the air strike against the Houthi forces in another private chat group he created. The members of this chat group included his wife Jennifer Hackett, his brother Phil Hackett, his personal lawyer Tim Paratore, as well as several people from Hackett's inner circle.

Screenshot of Hackett

Reports say that in most cases, Republican lawmakers downplay these controversies publicly and direct their criticism at the media and internal leakers.

Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Republican congressman from Florida, once stated that Hackett is a warrior assisting Trump to ensure that our country deserves the sacrifices of our soldiers.

Some Republicans privately express concern that the behavior of this defense secretary is deviating from Trump's core agenda. Despite this, most frustrated Republicans are still unwilling to bring their concerns to the White House or speak out publicly, at least for now.

"These are unnecessary distractions now. We have much bigger things to focus on together." A Congressional Republican senior aide who wished to remain anonymous said, as long as we keep our eyes on the goal, the storm will pass on its own."

This aide said that the departure of Hackett's close subordinates last week, including Colin Carroll, director of the deputy defense minister's office, Dan Caldwell, senior advisor, and Darin Selnick, deputy director of the Department of Defense Office, could be a turning point for reorganization, although others view it as a sign of chaos.

All these individuals were dismissed due to investigations into sensitive or leaked confidential information. However, they all publicly denied the accusations, claiming they were being unfairly maligned and attacked. Caldwell claimed that the investigation had been "weaponized" to target the fired employees.

This aide said that if the problem is resolved, it is naturally good, but "goodwill is not infinite."

Roger Wicker, a Republican senator of the United States and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, once voted to confirm Hackett's appointment as defense secretary, but he has now requested that the Pentagon Inspector General's Office investigate Hackett's use of the Signal chat app.

Don Bacon, a Republican congressman of the House Armed Services Committee, was the first Republican lawmaker to publicly suggest that Trump dismiss Hackett while in office.

In an interview, Bacon said: "I was concerned about him from the beginning because Hackett lacked experience. I liked his performance on Fox News. But does he have the experience to lead one of the largest organizations in the world? This is worrying."

He said that although he does not feel qualified to demand Hackett's resignation, if he were president, he would not tolerate Hackett's poor management.

The report pointed out that any public rift with Trump could cost House Republicans voter support.

Erin Covey, responsible for House reporting at nonpartisan media "Cook Political Report," reminded that going against Trump is very dangerous, "election prospects need to be weighed."

The report indicates that this political reality has created an unsettling silence, where lawmakers may privately express shock or panic but publicly remain silent.

A former congressional aide described the atmosphere on Capitol Hill: "Everyone knows he is a joke, but he is someone who can do push-ups with soldiers. Besides, not many people are willing to speak out publicly now and upset Trump."

Local time on April 21, 2025, Trump attended the Easter event. Video screenshot.

On the other side, Democrats continue to emphasize Hackett's mismanagement of the military, calling for his resignation, and criticizing Republicans for not daring to go against Trump.

Colorado Democratic Congressman Jason Crow wrote in a statement, "Hackett recklessly leaked confidential information endangering American soldiers. He is not qualified to serve as defense secretary and should not have been confirmed. Republicans must clearly demand Hackett's resignation or dismissal."

John Ullyot, the former spokesperson for the Department of Defense who was dismissed last week, published an opinion article on "Politico" on the 20th, stating that the Pentagon has "completely fallen into chaos."

Ullyot candidly admitted that even staunch supporters like him had to admit, "After the latest conflict erupted, the upper echelons of the Pentagon faced a near collapse situation" and "the complete collapse of the Pentagon is becoming a thorny problem for the current administration."

He also mentioned in this article that "several major Pentagon journalists privately revealed that more news might soon come out, and even more explosive revelations might break out this week."

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496537779325780507/

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