As Donald Trump edges closer to a decision on whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been reportedly been excluded from high-level deliberations. "Nobody is talking to Hegseth," an official told The Washington Post.

Despite early involvement, Hegseth's role appears to have diminished over time, especially following the fallout from "Signalgate"—an incident in which he reportedly shared sensitive information regarding an incoming attack against Yemen's Houthi rebels in a group chat that had mistakenly included a journalist.

Now, as Israel bombards Iranian nuclear facilities and Trump weighs joining the offensive, Hegseth is out of the team is advising him: JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine.

Although the Pentagon has claimed Hegseth remains closely involved, three current U.S. officials confirmed that key briefings and war planning are being led by Generals Kurilla and Caine, with no operational coordination involving Hegseth or his staff.

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[–] 113 points 1 year ago (6 children)

Yeah of course you don't keep the drunk who spills the beans on a Signal chat in the loop.

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  • [–] 30 points 1 year ago (5 children)

    Wasn't it Mike Waltz who added Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat?

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  • [–] 43 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Doesn't matter who accidentally added a journalist. The problem is using Signal to discuss national security plans in the first place.

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  • [–] 10 points 1 year ago

    The problem is that these assholes plan the slaughter of civilians so casually and cheer and celebrate it like monsters, and they sold that to you as "national security".

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  • [–] 90 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Leaking war plans to the Atlantic on signal wasn’t a dealbreaker for trump, but throwing him a subpar birthday parade was.

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  • [–] 51 points 1 year ago

    He has one use - he will give the order for the military to fire on American citizens. Until then, shut up, and stay out of the way.

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  • [–] 47 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 child)

    Nobody is talking to Hegseth because Hegseth is talking to everybody.

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  • [–] 35 points 1 year ago

    This has been interesting to watch: Hegseth is apparently running against the grain or considered untrustworthy. Gabbard is expressing contrary opinions to the media. Tucker Carlson is part of the media resistance on this issue. Marjorie Taylor Greene is also opposed to the extent that she tries for express thought.

    It’s a who’s who of people that carry water for Russia in the U.S. Of course Russia doesn’t want the U.S. at war with its primary military partner and missile/drone supplier. Sorta funny and sad to see all of them so desperately crawl out of the shadows to reveal their real masters.

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  • [–] 31 points 1 year ago

    We are currently clear on OPSEC

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  • [–] 27 points 1 year ago

    Triple Sec Def

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  • [–] 25 points 1 year ago

    Nobody is talking to Hegseth

    I'll believe that when I see the next leaked Signal chat.

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  • [–] 20 points 1 year ago

    Yea because he doesn’t know what he’s doing, like 90% of his cabinet picks are honorific titles.

    It’s insane but Trump probably has more experience running a government than any of his staff (probably combined)… this is where we are now. The absolute dumbest timeline.

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  • [–] 17 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Why would a dictator need to consult with people?

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  • [–] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Right? Donnie dumb-dumb just blew off intel from someone supposedly put in place to head up intelligence...I guess with donvict's "Israel first" policy, he'll fight their war with Iran if they want him to.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Because Netanyahu is one of his best and only friends. He does literally whatever he wants, all the time, with very little legally or factually to stop him. That's attractive to a wannabe narcissist dictator, and even more attractive when you realize that half of his meetings with Trump are ego stroking for Trump and making him feel like a Vital Important player in Important Middle East Matters.

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  • [–] 14 points 1 year ago

    This almost reads like teenage high school drama. Queen Bee giving silent treatment after subpar birthday bash.

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  • [–] 11 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Ok my prediction: Someone Trump respects more than Hegseth said Hegseth will get them all killed.

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  • [–] 6 points 1 year ago

    Aww, poor Petey. Hit me up on Signal if you’re lonely.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago

    War in Iran isn't exactly defense. Deliberations should include the offense secretary.

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  • [–] 7 points 1 year ago* (3 children)

    All the best people.

    What were Kegsbreath's qualifications again? I forget.

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  • [–] 7 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Now, as Israel bombards Iranian nuclear facilities and Trump weighs joining the offensive, Hegseth is out of the team is advising him: Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine.

    Am I misreading or there an extra/missing word here?

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  • [–] 7 points 1 year ago*

    Hegseth is out of the team is advising him (which currently includes): Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine.

    Parenthetical added for clarity, but not grammatically necessary.

    Either remove the 'is' or add which in front of it.

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  • 2 comments in c/trump_watch@lemmy.world view that post
    [–] 5 points 1 year ago

    Isn't it funny to describe the incompetent DUI hire as being "iced"? Well, I think it is.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago

    Who would have guessed Trump would betray someone close to him.

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