The Pentagon is standing behind a recent social media post by U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth that appeared to be mocking a photo shared by a Canadian cadet program.
Hegseth on Aug. 31 posted an image on X from the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon, B.C., depicting a youth cadet receiving a medal from an instructor along with the caption “this is real” and a Canadian flag icon.
The post led to backlash in Canada, including criticism from Prime Minister Mark Carney.
When asked by reporters about Hegseth’s post on Sept. 1, Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss defended it, saying, “the X post speaks for itself.”
When asked by reporters in Ottawa about the post, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the message was “beneath their office.”
Hegseth was sworn in as Secretary of Defence on Jan. 25, 2025. Since taking office, he has emphasized restoring a “warrior ethos” within the military, strengthening physical fitness standards, and increasing the lethality of combat operations.
Hegseth’s social media post comes amid heightened tensions between Canada and the United States following the breakdown of trade talks on Aug. 21.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Friends Read Free
Copy
Facebook
Tweet
