Pentagon war effort faces backlash after news of disagreement among top officials

Recent reports that key Pentagon officials have voiced strong disagreement with how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is conducting the war with Iran have sparked intense reaction from members of Congress and former military personnel.

Reports over the weekend said the Aug. 14 edition of the classified “Secretary of Defense Orders Book” contains “non-concurs” from the leaders of the Navy, U.S. European Command, Indo-Pacific Command and Southern Command.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle reportedly warned Mr. Hegseth that barely a quarter of the force’s destroyer fleet is ready to deploy and that the Navy cannot sustain current Middle East support levels without a firm end date.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of INDOPAC, similarly argued that the level of support he has been ordered to provide takes important resources away from the Pacific region.

The details of the orders book were leaked originally to The Washington Post, and the article drew a firm rebuke from Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said the disclosure is illegal and non-concurs are common.

“Publishing highly classified assessments from the Secretary’s orders book is a crime. It’s a betrayal of the force. And much of what they’re publishing is inaccurate,” Mr. Parnell posted on X. “We are in great shape around the world. This story isn’t about readiness. It’s TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] and PDS [Pete Derangement Syndrome] — they hate President Trump and Secretary Hegseth more than they love America.”

The Supreme Court ruled in 1971 in New York Times Co. V. United States that the First Amendment protects the press’ right to publish classified documents if they are deemed in the public interest.

The recent revelations drew negative reactions from congressional Democrats, who said it was further evidence that the Pentagon is being mismanaged under Mr. Hegseth.

“He either does not comprehend the consequences of his decisions, or he just doesn’t give a damn. Unfortunately, his decisions today will have a negative impact on readiness for years to come.” Rep. Gil Cisneros, California Democrat, posted on X.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Democrat, told Bloomberg on Sunday that if the story is accurate, it is alarming for the U.S.’ strategic position in the Pacific and warned the Pentagon that China takes notice of moves in the region.

Conservative commentators were quick to defend Mr. Hegseth online, taking Mr. Parnell’s argument that the dissemination of the information is a crime.

“That’s the classified ledger of who goes where and for how long,” political commentator Gunther Eagleman posted on X. “Non-concurs happen. Commanders argue. The Secretary still decides. Leaking the argument to kneecap Hegseth mid-war is the point. Find the source and PROSECUTE!”