United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked questions over potential violations of the Hatch Act after campaigning in Kentucky for a Republican primary challenger to sitting Representative Thomas Massie. Speaking at a rally for Ed Gallrein, a Navy SEAL veteran, Hegseth said he was acting in his personal capacity and not as a government official.
Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, has drawn criticism from party leaders for opposing the Iran war, calling for the full release of the Epstein files, and voting against tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. Hegseth praised Gallrein as a 'war fighter' and decried Washington politicians as 'talkers'.
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty. Hegseth’s appearance has raised ethical questions, though he explicitly noted his role as a private citizen. During the speech, he attacked 'diversity quotas, climate seminars, pronouns, and dudes in dresses', claiming the country had 'ended the war on warriors'.
A recent New York Times poll showed Trump’s approval rating at its lowest point, partly due to concerns over the war. Hegseth’s trip comes as the US faces heightened tensions with Iran, but he prioritised the Kentucky primary over national security duties.
