Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces backlash for taxpayer-funded self-promotional video

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces backlash for using taxpayer-funded Defense Department staff to produce a self-promotional video amid reports President Donald Trump may dismiss him. The five-minute video includes self-praise and attacks on Democrats. Hegseth’s office confirmed staff recorded and produced the video but declined to disclose its cost or legal compliance. Watchdogs allege it violates federal bans on propaganda, anti-lobbying statutes, and the Hatch Act, citing partisan content and mentions of funding bills. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis criticized the video, comparing it to a mistake that cost former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem her job. The video also echoes Trump’s prior taxpayer-funded ad campaign, which a judge halted after a legal challenge.