Chaos and Loyalty: The Battle for Control of the Pentagon

Washington, D.C. — As tensions within the Pentagon’s senior ranks escalate, President Donald Trump appears unwilling to distance himself from Pete Hegseth, the Fox News personality and informal adviser whose influence has fueled frustration among Defense Department officials. Despite mounting concerns over disorganization in Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s inner circle, Hegseth remains a trusted voice in the president’s ear—raising questions about the stability of military leadership just months before the election.

Hegseth’s Unofficial but Powerful Role

Pete Hegseth, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and a former officer in the Army National Guard, is not officially employed by the Trump administration. Yet, his frequent access to the president and vocal advocacy for a more aggressive military posture have made him a divisive figure within the Pentagon.

Administration officials say Hegseth has repeatedly pushed for sweeping personnel changes, rapid troop withdrawals, and a harder line on defense spending—often clashing with career military leaders and Esper’s team. There have been accusations that because of his influence behind the scenes, he is undermining the authority of the Defense Secretary and avoiding traditional decision-making processes. A senior Pentagon source told [Publication Name] under oath, "There's a sense that policy is being shaped by TV personalities rather than seasoned officials." "It ruins morale and causes confusion." Esper's Inner Circle Is in Chaos Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who took office in 2019 after the abrupt departure of Jim Mattis, has struggled to maintain control over the Pentagon amid competing factions. Concerns about instability have been heightened by recent high-profile firings, such as that of James Anderson, the former acting policy chief of the Pentagon. Sources describe a growing rift between Esper’s team and outside influencers like Hegseth, who has reportedly advocated for even more personnel shake-ups. Some officials worry that the constant churn and conflicting advice have left the Defense Department in a state of paralysis on key issues, including U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan and Germany.

“The Secretary is trying to run the building, but every time he turns around, someone with the president’s ear is pushing a different agenda,” a former defense official said.

Why Trump Keeps Hegseth Close

Hegseth has not been overlooked by Trump, in spite of the internal outcry. The Fox News host’s media platform and alignment with the president’s “America First” ideology make him a valuable ally, particularly as Trump seeks to rally his base ahead of November.

The president has publicly praised Hegseth in the past and even considered him for high-level roles, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Their relationship reflects Trump’s broader preference for loyalists over establishment figures—a trend that has led to frequent turnover in national security positions.

“Pete speaks Trump’s language,” a White House insider said. “He’s not afraid to call out the bureaucracy, and the president likes that.”

Greater Implications for the Stability of the Pentagon The friction between Esper’s team and outside influencers like Hegseth underscores a deeper struggle within the administration: the tension between institutional expertise and Trump’s reliance on informal advisers.

Some national security experts warn that the dysfunction could have lasting consequences, particularly in areas like military readiness and strategic planning. With the election looming, Esper faces an uphill battle in reasserting control—especially if Trump continues to entertain advice from figures outside the formal chain of command.

“The Pentagon needs steady leadership, not constant meddling from unofficial channels,” said a retired general familiar with the discussions. “Right now, it’s unclear who’s really calling the shots.”

What Happens Next?

As Trump’s first term nears its end, the Pentagon’s internal turmoil shows no signs of abating. Whether the president continues to favor outside voices over the counsel of his Defense Secretary may have an impact on Esper's ability to stabilize his leadership team. Meanwhile, Hegseth’s role remains a flashpoint. While his supporters argue that he brings a fresh perspective to national security debates, critics contend that his influence exacerbates the very chaos Trump once vowed to eliminate in Washington.

For now, the president seems content to keep Hegseth in his orbit—leaving Pentagon officials to grapple with the fallout.