John Bolton Demands 'Attitude Adjustment' for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Former national security adviser John Bolton has launched a scathing critique of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggesting he requires an "attitude adjustment" following his recent briefing on the joint US-Israeli military strikes against Iran. Bolton, who served under President Donald Trump before becoming a vocal critic, argued that Hegseth's public statements appear to contradict the president's declared objectives.
Hegseth's Briefing on Iran Strikes
Early Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside General Dan Caine, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed reporters regarding the coordinated strikes that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials. Hegseth emphasised that the conflict is "not a so-called regime change war," but noted that the "regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it."
He outlined the operation's primary goals, which include:
- Destroying Iranian offensive missiles
- Eliminating Iranian missile production capabilities
- Neutralising their navy and other security infrastructure
- Ensuring Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons
Bolton's Sharp Rebuke
Bolton responded forcefully to Hegseth's briefing during an interview with CNN host Kate Bolduan. "Pete Hegseth needs to check with his boss on what the objective is," Bolton stated. "And by the way, if the big one is still to come, how does Hegseth explain that we've already changed the regime, which wasn't our objective?"
He further elaborated, "I mean I think the Pentagon's top leadership, civilian top leadership, needs some attitude adjustment. I think the military's doing fine, but I wonder about the civilian leadership." Bolton highlighted that President Trump has repeatedly indicated that addressing threats from Iran, including its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism, necessitates regime change.
Hegseth's Defense and Grievances
During the press conference, Hegseth aired familiar grievances, criticising "fake news" and the "political left." He also pushed back against assertions that the conflict could escalate into an "endless war." "To the media outlets and political left screaming 'endless wars,' stop. This is not Iraq. This is not endless," Hegseth asserted. "Our generation knows better and so does this president."
Background of Bolton's Criticism
Trump dismissed Bolton in 2019 after numerous clashes over foreign policy matters. Since then, Bolton has emerged as a harsh critic of the president, even declaring him "unfit" for office. Additionally, Bolton faced legal challenges last year when the Justice Department indicted him on several counts related to mishandling classified information; he pleaded not guilty in October.
When questioned about Hegseth's denial of regime change as a goal, Bolton remarked, "He’s made it clear in multiple remarks that in order to address the threats to the United States, Iran's effort to get nuclear weapons, its support for international terrorism, you have to have regime change. That's what he is saying. So, maybe Pete Hegseth hasn't seen the latest press release."
The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon for comment on the ongoing dispute.
