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Senate Confirms Marine General Amid Podcast Controversy

6/18/2026

29 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Marine Corps Colonel Thomas Siverts was confirmed as a brigadier general by the Senate on June 10.
The promotion moved forward despite a podcast urging a shot at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Senator Ron Wyden removed his hold after reviewing Siverts’ March 2023 interview and a letter condemning antisemitism and racism.
Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez said Siverts does not share the hosts’ extremist views and denounced the smear.

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Story summary

Marine Corps Colonel Thomas Siverts was confirmed as a brigadier general by the Senate on June 10.
The promotion moved forward despite a podcast urging a shot at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Senator Ron Wyden removed his hold after reviewing Siverts’ March 2023 interview and a letter condemning antisemitism and racism.
Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez said Siverts does not share the hosts’ extremist views and denounced the smear.