Pentagon defends Hegseth’s controversial post about Canadian cadet program
The Pentagon is defending a controversial tweet by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about a Canadian cadet program, as the Trump administration continues to disparage Canada's military. Hegseth posted an image of two young women in uniform at the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon, B.C., with the caption "this is real" and a Canadian flag. The post sparked backlash with comments mocking the cadets' appearance and accusations that Hegseth was body-shaming women serving in the cadet program.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss stated, "The X post speaks for itself." Canadian officials, including B.C. Premier David Eby, condemned the comments as "embarrassments" and criticized the Trump administration for maligning Canada's military. The Army Cadet League of Canada also condemned the online harassment, calling it unacceptable. The cadet program, for youth aged 12 to 18, aims to provide valuable knowledge and skills to help young people transition into adulthood.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Pentagon defends Pete Hegseth’s X post targeting Canadian cadets globalnews.ca
- Pentagon defends Hegseth’s controversial post about Canadian cadet program toronto.citynews.ca
- Army secretary's resignation adds to turmoil at Pentagon under Hegseth pbs.org
- U.S. Pentagon defends Pete Hegseth's post about Canada's cadet program cbc.ca
