Hegseth's own reckoning: The admiral he dismissed returns as a congressman
The U.S. defense secretary likely did not anticipate how swiftly the consequences of his purge of military officers would materialize.
Among the Democratic victors in this year’s midterm elections, Nancy Mace’s win in South Carolina’s First Congressional District stands out.
The significance lies not only in her victory within a traditionally Republican stronghold, but also in her background: she is a former U.S. Navy rear admiral who was dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
According to public records, Mace served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years. She was promoted to rear admiral in 2024 and appointed commander of the U.S. Navy Reserve—only to be removed from office a year later by Hegseth.
As Mace has stated publicly, Hegseth never provided any justification for the termination. On the day of her dismissal, she was working normally at the Pentagon when she was summoned to the office of a four-star naval officer. There, she was informed of Hegseth’s decision to remove her immediately, with no explanation offered—nor has one been given by the Pentagon to date.
Now, as she returns to public life as a Democratic member of Congress, the situation presents a significant political setback for Hegseth and Donald Trump. In effect, they have elevated a former subordinate into a potential adversary—one who, following next year’s congressional transition, could initiate impeachment proceedings against both figures.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881105070105611/
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