Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly begun bringing his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, to meetings with Pentagon staff as his inner circle tightens. According to The Guardian, she sits in the back of the room, though her role remains unclear.
The move comes as Hegseth faces increased criticism and has ousted more than two dozen Pentagon officials in recent weeks. He has also expressed fear and paranoia about being fired by President Donald Trump, the report noted.
Hegseth has filled his inner circle with his brother, Phil, appointed as senior advisor, and attorney Tim Parlatore, who has represented both Hegseth and Trump. The changes follow Hegseth's efforts to instil a 'warrior ethos', resulting in the firing or forced retirement of 24 generals and senior commanders, about 60 per cent of whom were Black or female.
One recently removed leader was Navy Secretary John Phelan, who reportedly clashed with Hegseth over complying with a federal judge's order regarding Mark Kelly. Hegseth has shown little regret, telling lawmakers that previous leadership focused on 'social engineering, race and gender in ways that we think were unhealthy'.
Day-to-day running of the department has fallen to Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg, a billionaire investment firm owner, while Hegseth focuses on personal interests such as chaplain services. Experts have raised alarms, with retired Major General Paul Eaton saying the purge mirrors Project 2025, aiming for 'ideologically pure armed forces' loyal to the president rather than the constitution.
