A wave of internal dissent has erupted at the Pentagon as officials accuse Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth of fostering 'Mean Girls'-style politics that has upended military leadership during a critical phase of the Iran war. Senior defence officials are increasingly voicing alarm over what they describe as a culture of petty infighting and unpredictable decision-making at the highest levels of the Pentagon, with one insider bluntly characterising the atmosphere as 'high-school' behaviour.
The controversy follows a string of abrupt dismissals and internal feuds that have shaken confidence across the Department of Defense. Several high-ranking military leaders involved in managing operations related to the Iran war have been removed or sidelined, with personal rivalries reported to be influencing strategic decisions at a critical juncture.
The criticism centres onPete Hegseth's leadership style, which insiders say mirrors the dynamics of social cliques rather than disciplined military command. Officials have privately described an environment where perceived slights and internal loyalties carry disproportionate weight in decision-making, according toThe Daily Beast.
'It feels so much like petty, high-school or middle-school drama,' one official said, underscoring the frustration among career personnel. Another source noted a growing sense of unease, adding that colleagues are increasingly preoccupied with 'what is the next perceived slight that is going to upset the Mean Girls'.
With the Pentagon playing a central role in coordinating US military posture against Iran, the personnel decisions have drawn scrutiny from congressional defence committees.
At the heart of the controversy are the high-profile removals ofNavy Secretary John Phelanand Army Chief of Staff General Randy George. Both figures were seen as integral to ongoing defence planning, particularly in relation to Iran.
The dismissals have triggered 'confusion and head-shaking' within the Pentagon, Axios reported. Phelan, a prominent investor and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, was reportedly removed after tensions with Hegseth escalated over decision-making channels.
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Hegseth was reportedly dissatisfied with Phelan's direct engagement with Trump, bypassing traditional departmental hierarchies. The dispute reportedly intensified over the pace of a proposed naval expansion initiative, dubbed the 'Trump class battleships', aimed at reshaping US maritime capabilities by 2028.
General George's departure has proven even more contentious. George became entangled in a broader power struggle involvingArmy Secretary Dan Driscoll, with the conflict tracing back to early 2025 when Driscoll's name surfaced as a potential replacement for Hegseth amid mounting controversies, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Source: International Business Times UK
