1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The Pentagon leadership continues to face scrutiny over potential ethics violations and unprofessional conduct. It is deeply concerning that Col. Ricky Buria, a military aide with limited civilian experience, has risen to become one of Secretary Hegseth's closest advisers and is being considered for chief of staff. This raises questions about whether Hegseth is surrounding himself with advisers who will simply agree with him rather than provide experienced, objective counsel. The American people deserve a Secretary of Defense who upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Hegseth's reliance on Buria, including his attempts to circumvent policies around secure communications, suggests a concerning insular approach that prioritizes loyalty over expertise. I urge you to investigate these matters thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure strong, ethical leadership at the Department of Defense. Our national security depends on it.