Eleven Democratic senators have challenged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over moves that they say have weakened protections for civilians and put American forces at greater risk in the region.
The lawmakers sent a letter raising alarms about Hegseth's decision to dismantle programs designed to shield noncombatants. They contended that his orders have created operational vulnerabilities that could harm U.S. troops deployed in the area.
The critique centers on the strategic direction Hegseth has taken since assuming his post. The senators argue that scaling back civilian protection measures runs counter to both military doctrine and international obligations, while simultaneously creating tactical exposure for American personnel.
The letter represents a formal rebuke from within Hegseth's own party, signaling division over his early approach to managing the Pentagon. The criticism touches on two key concerns for military leadership: safeguarding noncombatants and maintaining force protection.
The specific programs that Hegseth dismantled had been established to minimize civilian casualties in conflict zones. By removing them, the senators warn, the administration has removed important guardrails that exist for both moral and strategic reasons.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "The senators are raising a fundamental question about whether stripping safeguards actually strengthens America's hand in a volatile region, or just makes it easier to stumble into escalation."
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