Pentagon staff rally support for Hegseth on social media

Pentagon public affairs staff and advisers launched a coordinated social media campaign on Thursday supporting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, posting his photos with the phrase "Stand. Fight. Defend the Republic," ahead of a potential vote on his removal. Pentagon deputy spokesperson Joel Valdez told CNN that chief spokesperson Sean Parnell assembled the team to plan a defense of Hegseth and the president's agenda, including planned offensive moves, though the full strategy would not be disclosed. About 12 civilian staffers and advisers participated, alongside the department's rapid response account and the White House's social media account. The campaign followed Hegseth's own video on X criticizing what he called "fake efforts" by Congress members to oust him. Representative Thomas Massie intends to introduce a resolution for Hegseth's removal when Congress reconvenes, with Republican sources expecting it to pass.