1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Hold Secretary Pete Hegseth Accountable Before More Damage Is Done I am writing as a veteran, constituent, and deeply concerned American to demand immediate congressional oversight and accountability regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Secretary of Defense is entrusted with one of the most consequential positions in the federal government. That responsibility requires sound judgment, respect for the Constitution, commitment to military readiness, and leadership that serves all Americans—not a political movement, religious ideology, or personal agenda. Secretary Hegseth has repeatedly demonstrated conduct that raises serious concerns about his fitness to lead the Department of Defense. Under his leadership, tens of thousands of civilian defense positions have been eliminated or frozen, despite warnings about the impact such reductions could have on readiness, maintenance, logistics, intelligence support, acquisition programs, and military operations. Government watchdog findings have raised questions about whether adequate analysis was conducted before these workforce reductions were implemented. At the same time, Secretary Hegseth has waged a public campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that were intended to ensure all qualified Americans have an equal opportunity to serve and advance. These actions risk discouraging talented women, racial minorities, and other underrepresented groups from pursuing military careers and leadership positions. I am equally alarmed by the growing influence of Christian nationalist rhetoric surrounding Secretary Hegseth and his public statements. Our military serves a constitutional republic made up of people of every faith and no faith at all. Service members swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States—not any religious doctrine, denomination, political party, or ideological movement. The Department of Defense must remain professional, nonpartisan, and firmly committed to the constitutional principles it exists to defend. The combination of workforce reductions, attacks on diversity initiatives, ideological politicization, and growing concerns regarding readiness and leadership judgment should alarm every member of Congress regardless of party affiliation. This is not a partisan issue. It is a national security issue. Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to conduct aggressive oversight of executive branch officials whose actions may jeopardize military readiness, workforce stability, constitutional governance, and public trust. I urge you to: • Hold immediate oversight hearings regarding Department of Defense workforce reductions and readiness impacts. • Investigate the implementation of civilian workforce cuts and determine whether legal requirements were followed. • Examine the effect of these policies on recruitment, retention, morale, and promotion opportunities across the force. • Investigate efforts that may blur the constitutional separation between church and state within the Department of Defense. • Demand transparency and accountability from Secretary Hegseth regarding decisions affecting military readiness and national security. • Support any appropriate action, including removal from office, if evidence demonstrates that he can no longer faithfully execute the duties of Secretary of Defense. The men and women who serve this nation deserve competent leadership. The civilian workforce that supports them deserves respect. The Constitution deserves defenders—not ideologues. Congress must act now.