A high-ranking Marine Corps intelligence officer has taken the extraordinary step of resigning his commission in protest against Donald Trump's decision to appoint Sebastian Gorka, a controversial former White House aide, to a senior advisory role at the Pentagon.
The Resignation That's Shaking Washington
Major John Hegseth, a decorated officer with nearly two decades of service, submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday, delivering a blistering critique of what he described as "the appointment of a dangerously unqualified individual to a position critical to our national security."
The resignation comes as Trump continues to staff his administration with loyalists from his first term, raising concerns among national security experts about the potential erosion of traditional safeguards within the defence establishment.
Who is Sebastian Gorka?
Sebastian Gorka, a former deputy assistant to President Trump during his first administration, has long been a polarising figure in Washington circles. His previous tenure was marked by controversy, particularly regarding his associations with far-right groups and his unorthodox views on counterterrorism.
Gorka's appointment to the Pentagon's Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee represents a significant return to influence for the controversial strategist, whose previous government role ended amid considerable internal opposition from career national security professionals.
A Principle-Based Stand
In his resignation letter, obtained by The Guardian, Major Hegseth didn't mince words: "I cannot in good conscience continue to serve when individuals like Mr Gorka are elevated to positions where they can influence defence policy that affects the lives of service members and the security of our nation."
The Marine officer specifically cited Gorka's lack of military experience and what he characterised as a "pattern of embracing extremist ideologies" that contradict core military values.
Broader Implications for Military-Civilian Relations
This resignation highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the professional military establishment. Several retired generals and defence officials have expressed private concerns about the potential politicisation of the Pentagon under Trump's returning administration.
"When career military officers feel compelled to resign on principle, it should give everyone pause," noted a former Pentagon official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The dramatic protest resignation underscores the deep divisions within America's national security apparatus as the Trump administration moves to install loyalists in key defence positions, setting the stage for potential further confrontations between political appointees and career military professionals.
