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Pentagon Chief Hegseth Backs Gallrein, Faces Hatch Act Criticism

5/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly endorsed Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein at a Kentucky rally, breaking the military’s tradition of political neutrality.
He said he was there as a private citizen and veteran, and that Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell had cleared the appearance as not violating the Hatch Act.
Online commentators condemned the visit as a Hatch Act violation while the United States remains engaged in the war with Iran.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly endorsed Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein at a Kentucky rally, breaking the military’s tradition of political neutrality.
He said he was there as a private citizen and veteran, and that Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell had cleared the appearance as not violating the Hatch Act.
Online commentators condemned the visit as a Hatch Act violation while the United States remains engaged in the war with Iran.