Hegseth Revamps Pentagon Watchdog, Sparks Concerns Over Reporting

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced significant changes to the Pentagon’s independent watchdog, the inspector general’s office, claiming it has been “weaponized.” This overhaul aims to transform how service members report abuse and other issues within military ranks. Hegseth detailed his plans during a speech attended by hundreds of military leaders, where he emphasized the need for reform in the reporting process.

The newly signed memo mandates that the inspector general identify individuals who file complaints, eliminating the option for anonymous reporting. Additionally, any complaints deemed “non-credible” will be dismissed, and stricter timelines will be established for filing complaints and completing investigations. Hegseth’s directives, which include a statement that the military’s policies on “hazing, bullying, and harassment” are overly broad, have raised alarms among advocates and experts. They argue that these changes could reverse years of progress aimed at protecting women and minorities from abuse, potentially deterring legitimate complaints.

These modifications are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reshape the community of inspectors general responsible for uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse within government agencies. Earlier this year, more than a dozen inspectors general were dismissed as part of a larger effort to dismantle public integrity mechanisms since President Donald Trump took office.

In his address, Hegseth criticized the current process, stating it has allowed “complainers, ideologues, and poor performers to take control.” Notably, he did not provide any evidence to support this assertion. His criticism comes while he himself is under investigation by the inspector general regarding his use of the Signal messaging app, where sensitive information about military operations was shared inappropriately.

Concerns from advocates are mounting, particularly regarding the potential chilling effect these changes may have on military personnel reporting issues such as sexual harassment and racism. Don Christensen, a former chief prosecutor for the Air Force, questioned the necessity of Hegseth’s directives, arguing they stem from complaints by those in Hegseth’s social circle rather than any substantial data indicating a crisis in complaint management.

Former Air Force lawyer Rachel VanLandingham expressed fears that eliminating anonymous reporting will discourage service members from coming forward. She noted that previous surveys indicate a significant reluctance to report problems due to fear of retaliation from the command structure. “When they’re afraid of their own command chain, problems go unsolved,” VanLandingham stated.

The military has faced ongoing challenges related to sexual assault and violence against women. The case of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, whose remains were found in 2020 after she was reported missing from Fort Hood, highlighted the serious issues of sexual harassment within the ranks. Following her death, there was a surge in reports from women about sexual abuse in the military, prompting calls for reform.

In his recent speech, Hegseth acknowledged the gravity of racism and sexual harassment, asserting that both remain illegal within military ranks. He emphasized that infractions would be “ruthlessly enforced.” Nonetheless, VanLandingham cautioned that the changes Hegseth proposes could undermine systems that have previously helped reduce instances of harassment and assault.

Hegseth’s memo also referenced an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that prohibits false statements, stating that violators “will be held appropriately accountable.” Both Christensen and VanLandingham conveyed that such language could further deter individuals from reporting concerns, as they already face significant risks to their careers when coming forward.

The adjustments initiated by Hegseth reflect a contentious debate over how best to protect service members and ensure accountability within the military’s ranks. As these changes are implemented, the implications for the reporting of abuse and the overall culture within the Pentagon remain to be seen.